HC Deb 08 December 1965 vol 722 cc405-6
21. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will permit the Society of British Aerospace Companies to arrange for the French aircraft industry to participate in the Farnborough Air Show.

27. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Aviation what representations he has received regarding foreign countries being invited to exhibit at the Society of British Aerospace Companies aviation display at Farnborough next year.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The Society of British Aerospace Companies has consulted me on its proposal that participation next year should be widened to in-dude exhibits containing a substantial proportion of British equipment from France and other countries belonging to the A.I.C.M.A.—the international organisation to which the aerospace trade associations of 11 European countries belong. As the S.B.A.C. announced yesterday, I have agreed to this.

Mr. Ridley

Why did the Minister try to insist upon the Americans taking part in this show? Surely if we are trying to build up a European aircraft industry, he, as a good European, will agree that it is not a good idea to have our competitors there, too?

Mr. Jenkins

There is no question of anybody being there unless there is a very substantial British content. The value to this country of the British content, particularly in aero-engines in aircraft manufactured in America and in Japan, is not negligible. We have arrived at a happy solution and I hope that the show next year will be a great success on the new basis.

Mr. Hastings

Why does not the Minister answer my hon. Friend's question? Is it not a fact that substantial pressure was put on him to let the Americans in? Does he not consider that he and his col- leagues have done enough for the American aircraft industry by this time? After all, it is our shop window.

Mr. Jenkins

I told the House frankly, and I repeat it if the hon. Member did not understand it, that of course I attach importance to Rolls-Royce aero-engines for American or Japanese aircraft, for instance. It did not think it right to give no consideration at all to this point of view. But we have arrived at a quite reasonable solution, and I hope that the hon. Member does not want to destroy it.

Sir J. Eden

Is the Minister following up the last point which he made by trying to ensure that the F111A is equipped with Rolls-Royce engines?

Mr. Jenkins

That is a different question. There are other Questions on the Order Paper.