HC Deb 23 June 1965 vol 714 cc1730-1
5. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Aviation what guidance he has given to the Aviation industry on research into future projects for military transport and fighter aircraft.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Until the defence review is complete, research into future projects for military transport and fighter aircraft will continue on present lines.

I will then consider what further guidance can be given to the industry.

Mr. Hastings

Does the Minister realise that we have missed a whole generation on these types of aircraft? If we are to remain at all competitive in the defence field the present expenditure on design projects is totally inadequate to maintain the design staff. We are still losing important design staff to America and South Africa. Will the right hon. Gentleman really do his best to hurry up this report and see that adequate work is given to the industry?

Mr. Jenkins

The hon. Member asked me about research projects. He seems to be moving over to the question of design within the firms.

Mr. Onslow

Is the Minister aware that this country's capacity for carrying out this sort of research and design is diminishing? In my constituency at this moment an American agent is at work conducting a high-pressure recruiting campaign on men who were working on the TSR2, and will he give the House an assurance that he does not regard this situation as being one for self-satisfaction and smugness on his part?

Mr. Jenkins

I certainly do not regard it as one giving rise to self-satisfaction and smugness, though I also noticed that the recuriting agent was himself an English aircraft worker who had left this country two years ago.

Lord Balniel

As the 1127 which is going into production is a subsonic aircraft, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is a research project for an aircraft of supersonic capabilities which will be able to protect the 1127 when in operation.

Mr. Jenkins

Of course. The VG aircraft will be supersonic.