HC Deb 27 April 1965 vol 711 cc200-1
12. Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of Technology what proportion of the equipment in TSR2 comes from industry under his sponsorship.

Mr. Cousins

Apart from the airframe and engines, I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation that almost all major items of equipment in TSR2 come from the electronics and computer industries.

Mr. Marten

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many technicians from the TSR2 project are now applying to go to South Africa to help build up the aircraft industry there? Can he say what steps he is taking to see that the development of the highly developed avionics of the TSR2 is continued in this country?

Mr. Cousins

This is not a matter directly concerned with the Ministry of Technology. Other Ministries are involved. But we are taking all the steps we can to ensure that British electronics equipment is put into planes which we are having to get from abroad, which is partly the answer to the hon. Gentleman's question.

Mr. Ridley

What steps is the right hon. Gentleman taking to make sure that the advanced development of aircraft guidance systems and blind landing systems developed for the TSR2 will be continued now that it has been cancelled?

Mr. Cousins

That is a question which should be directly addressed to the Ministry of Aviation.

Mr. Marples

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the cancellation of the TSR2 was a blow to our electronics industry and that it will affect the electronics industries in certain development areas, such as Dalkeith in Scotland?

Hon. Members

Answer.