HC Deb 26 November 1962 vol 668 c3
1. Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Aviation when he expects to be in a position to make a statement concerning the placing of further orders to meet the requirements of Transport Command.

The Minister of Aviation (Mr. Julian Amery)

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence and I hope to be able to give the House more information about an aircraft to replace the Beverley and Hastings early in the New Year.

Mr. McMaster

I thank my right hon. Friend for that Answer. Will he bear in mind unemployment in Belfast and the difficulties which Rolls Royce Ltd. is facing and have another look at the proposals put forward for developing an extended version of the Belfast with the new Tyne V Rolls Royce engine?

Mr. Amery

We have all these points under consideration.

Mr. Hector Hughes

In considering this very important matter, will the Minister bear in mind that there is considerable unemployment in Aberdeen shipyards, where there has been great success in building ships and other related things? Only last Saturday 800 men were given notice to leave because of shortage of orders. Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ensure that Aberdeen gets some of these orders?

Mr. Amery

I must, of course, have regard to the overall employment position in the aviation industry.