HC Deb 05 May 1965 vol 711 cc1331-2
5. Mr. Bence

asked the Minister of Aviation what steps he is taking to encourage the more efficient use of resources and manpower in the British aircraft industry.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

It is my constant aim to encourage the industry in the efficient use of resources, including manpower. As regards any new specific steps which might be taken, I should prefer to wait until the industry has had time to adjust itself to the consequences of the recent changes in the military aircraft programme and until the Plowden Committee has reported.

Mr. Bence

As the efficiency of the industry is in large measure dependent on the size of the market for its products, will my right hon. Friend take steps to help the industry to make information available all over the world and give full publicity to the quality of British civil aircraft so that we may successfully compete in the world over the British production of civil aircraft as against military aircraft?

Mr. Jenkins

Certainly, Sir. The contribution which the Parliamentary Secretary has made in recent months in aiding the export drive for British civil aircraft has been quite remarkable and very successful.

Mr. Fell

Arising from the supplementary question, will the right hon. Gentleman specify that British goods are to be used in all Government contracts where they are comparable in price and so on?

Mr. Jenkins

It is always our intention and desire to use British goods wherever they are comparable in price.