§ 29 and 30. Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Aviation (1) what steps he takes to ensure the highest standards of mechanised engineering design when he makes purchases of aircraft, machines, and equipment;
(2) what steps he is taking to implement the recommendation of the Feilden Committee to use development contracts to encourage the creation of design teams of high quality.
§ Mr. J. AmeryAs the Feilden Committee recognises, defence development contracts have greatly stimulated the 24 promotion of first class design teams in the industries with which my Department deals. The standards of design, ingenuity and workmanship set by British aircraft, engines and equipment bear comparison with any in the world. I shall use my power to place contracts to help maintain these standards and to improve them.
§ Mr. DalyellWhen does the Minister hope to start using contracts for this purpose?
§ Mr. DalyellHow does the right hon. Gentleman reconcile that reply with what is said in the Feilden Report? The Feilden Committee is dissatisfied.
§ Mr. AmeryThe Feilden Report contains certain criticisms, but, by and large, it pays a very fine tribute to the work of our aircraft, aero-engine and equipment designers.