HC Deb 13 May 1963 vol 677 cc939-41
32. Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Aviation the value of production and of research and development contracts, respectively, placed with Short Brothers and Harland in each of the past ten years; and what was their proportion to the total of contracts placed with the British aircraft industry as a whole, in each year.

Mr. J. Amery

I regret that the information is not available in the precise form asked for by my han. Friend. I can, however, give an estimate of the value of work done by Short's in each of these years as a percentage of the work done by the industry as a whole. A similar calculation can also be made in respect of direct Government contracts.

As the information contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. McMaster

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the apprehension which is felt particularly in the research and design section of Short Brothers? In view of this firm's successful record in the past for such things as vertical take-off, and also of the continuing high unemployment in Northern Ireland, will my right hon. Friend do all he can to place further research and development work with Short's as soon as possible?

Mr. Amery

We are always considering opportunities of this kind.

Following is the information:

tion for the extension of the runways at Birmingham Airport; and what steps are being taken to ensure the safety of nearby residents and to minimise noise, dust, fumes and other nuisances; (2) the estimated cost of the proposed extension to the runway at Birmingham Airport.

Mr. Marten

Birmingham Corporation has put forward proposals for extending the main runway to a total length of 7,000 ft. Its plans are being examined by the Ministry of Aviation to ensure that they comply with the safety clearances required in accordance with international practices. Birmingham Corporation is fully aware of the need to minimise noise and other nuisances.

The preliminary estimated cost of the extension and ancillary works is £860,000.

Mr. Matthews

Is my hon. Friend aware that one of the runways goes very close indeed to houses in Marston Green, that these houses are built on higher ground than the runway and that the local residents feel that if the runway is extended in this way, it will expose them to unnecessary danger?

Mr. Marten

Yes, we were aware of those facts when the decision was taken. The proposed extension will bring the end of the runway closer to houses on the south-west side of Marston Green, but those houses will still be well outside the zone in which building is restricted for safety reasons.

Mr. Gurden

Does my hon. Friend recognise that what Birmingham needs most is greater use of the existing runways to provide more direct services with countries abroad to help the export trade?

Mr. Marten

Yes, I very much appreciate that point, and I hope that the day will come.