Skyvan Light Freighter (Hansard, 5 February 1964)

§ 6. Mr. Stratton Mills
asked the Minister of Aviation if he will now make a statement on the future of the Skyvan light freighter.

§ 10. Mr. McMaster
asked the Minister of Aviation if he will now make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's decision in relation to the Short Skyvan project.

§ Mr. Amery
I am well aware of the company's wish to complete the development and embark on the production of the Skyvan. The company put forward some revised financial estimates on 31st December, 1963, and I hope to be able to reach a decision soon.

§ Mr. Stratton Mills
Is my right hon. Friend aware that his personal interest in this is very much appreciated in Northern Ireland? Can he confirm that a decision will be taken one way or the other not later than the Defence White Paper?

§ Mr. Amery
I do not think that I could confirm this in so many words, because the Skyvan is essentially a civil and not a military aircraft. But, as I have said, I am hoping to reach a decision very soon.

§ Mr. McMaster
Is my right hon. Friend aware that interest in the aircraft has been shown by potential foreign purchasers but that until a decision is taken by the Government it is impossible to secure orders which would be very valuable to this country?

§ Mr. Amery
I agree with my hon. Friend, and I am well aware that there have been several civilian inquiries. I must also correct what I said to my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Stratton Mills). There have actually been one or two military inquiries, but these must await a decision on our side on whether or not to go ahead with production.

§ Mr. Cronin
Did not Short Bros. & Harland apply, through the right hon. Gentleman's Ministry, for Treasury permission to put the Skyvan into production last July? Is it not scandalous, with numerous export customers waiting for the Skyvan, that the right hon. Gentleman has not yet reached a decision after all this time?

§ Mr. Amery
There has been a good deal of discussion but, as I have stated, we received revised financial estimates only on 31st December. The revisions were important in many respects, so I do not think that the delay on the Government's part has really been excessive.

§ Mr. Stratton Mills
How much is involved for the Treasury in the present revised estimates?

§ Mr. Amery
It goes into millions of £s.