HC Deb 16 February 1966 vol 724 cc1312-3
40. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Aviation to what extent in the formation of Government aerospace policy, he proposes to take account of paragraph 165 of the Plowden Report, and of the effect of the industry on the technological progress of the nation.

Mr. Mulley

The Government will naturally pay regard to the views expressed by the Plowden Committee on this subject.

Mr. Hastings

Is this not perhaps the most important proposition in the entire Plowden Report—that no other industry has such a pervasive effect on the technological progress of the nation? Is it not at variance with the conclusion at the end of the Report that support for aviation should be cut? Will the Minister please pay attention to this when he presents his White Paper.

Mr. Mulley

The hon. Member will appreciate that I have no responsibility for the preparation of the Report. The hon. Gentleman should read paragraph 172 of the Report in conjunction with paragraph 165. I accept that there is important technological fall-out from the aircraft industry, but I would not accept that this meant that we had to go on supporting the industry if it was not able to produce projects that would in other respects pay their way.

41. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Aviation whether, in the formation of Government aerospace policy, he pro poses to take account of the views stated in paragraph 214 of the Plowden Report, on the probably level over the next decade of sales of military and space products to governments, and on the length of time, if present trends continue, before civil air craft sales are as great as military.

Mr. Mulley

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Hastings

If 80 per cent. of the sales of aviation products over the next decade are to be military or space products, is it not absolute nonsense for this country to go out of the production even of complicated military projects?

Mr. Mulley

As the House knows, we are engaged on a number of projects and we have two very important projects operating in conjunction with our French allies. The House will not expect me to anticipate the Defence Statement to be made at the end of the month.