§ 22. Mr. McMasterasked the Minister of Aviation whether he will take steps to ensure that a continuous flow of development and aircraft construction orders are placed with Short Brothers and Harland, in order to maintain employment in its factories.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsIn questions relating to the allocation of aircraft work, I shall bear in mind the special importance of Short Brothers and Harland to the economy of Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. McMasterIn view of the vital contribution made by Short Brothers and Harland to employment in Northern Ireland and also the firm's encouragement of much advanced research and development work and technical education in Northern Ireland, would the right hon. Gentleman consider repeating the assurance given by his predecessor that employment will be maintained in this factory at its existing level until 1970?
§ Mr. JenkinsI hope that we shall be able to maintain a very high level of employment here, because as I said in my original Answer, I recognise its special importance to the Belfast and surrounding area. However, I should 428 like to study the matter in the context of the aircraft industry as a whole.
§ 23. Mr. McMasterasked the Minister of Aviation whether his review of the HS681 order will affect the share of work on this aircraft promised to Short Brothers and Harland.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsI am unable to anticipate the results of the review of the content of the defence programme in which the HS681 will be included.
§ Mr. McMasterIs the Minister aware of the importance of the share of this work which has been promised to Short Brothers and Harland, particularly in view of the rundown of the work on the Belfast freighters which is taking place at the moment? Will he bear this in mind in considering this point? If work cannot be maintained, will he consider allocating other similar work to Short Brothers employing at least the same number?
§ Mr. JenkinsYes. I am certainly aware of this, and I will bear it in mind. I would certainly not wish, if it could be avoided, to see the labour force run down.
§ Mr. HastingsWill the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that there are other independent aviation firms equally well qualified as Short Brothers and equally ready to accept development and construction work for the Government?
§ Mr. JenkinsYes. In the short time in which I have been in my present office, the hon. Gentleman has not left me in any doubt about the existence of at least one of these firms.