§ 38. Mr. McMasterasked the Minister of Aviation how much is being spent on missile development work this year; and with which companies the main development work in this field has been placed.
§ Mr. J. AmeryContracts for missile development have been placed mainly with the two major aircraft groups, 29 Hawker Siddeley and the British Aircraft Corporation. This has been in accordance with the Government's policy for the rationalisation of the aviation industry. Electronic and other companies however have also been associated with these contracts, and as my hon. Friend is aware, missile development contracts have also been placed with Short Brothers & Harland. It would not be in the public interest to disclose the sums that will be spent on missile development this year.
§ Mr. McMasterIn view of the Feilden Report and the desirability of maintaining a steady flow of development work, will my right hon. Friend consider giving further missile development work to Short Brothers & Harland, so that the substantial overseas orders which have been won for the Seacat may be maintained?
§ Mr. AmeryI will always consider any suggestion which my hon. Friend puts to me, but I cannot go further at this time.