HC Deb 25 March 1964 vol 692 cc445-6
14. Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he will take steps to expedite the commencement of work on new aircraft construction under contracts and subcontracts which have been awarded to Short Bros. and Harland so that temporary redundancies may be avoided and a steady flow of work maintained.

28. Mr. McCann

asked the Minister of Aviation if he is aware of the impending redundancies at the works of Short Brothers and Harland at Belfast; and what action he is taking to prevent them.

29. Mr. Lee

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he is aware that one-half of the employees of Short Brothers and Harland will be redundant by 1966; and what is his estimate of the size of their labour force in 1970.

Mr. J. Amery

I would refer to the statement which I made during the debate on the Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill on 19th March. My Department is considering what additional work might be obtained by the company and what action can be taken to reduce the difficulties foreseen.

Mr. McMaster

With a view to placing further work with the company, in view of the undertaking to which reference has been made, will my right hon. Friend consider, if the price difference is small—10 per cent. or less—placing the work where there is most social necessity for it?

Mr. Amery

This is something that we have already done in the case of the VC10 for the Royal Air Force and the sub-contracting on the HS681.