HC Deb 06 July 1966 vol 731 cc407-8
11. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will take steps to stop the loss of skilled designers from the aircraft industry.

Mr. Mulley

We are taking steps to create a healthy industry with a stable programme of work, and this should give designers the assurance they require.

Mr. Ridley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that more than 500 skilled designers have now been recruited to the American subsidiary working in this country, and is he further aware that under his leadership the life-blood of the aviation industry is draining away?

Will he put a measure of confidence back into the industry by giving it some sort of future to hold its designers?

Mr. Mulley

I must make clear, as there seems to be widespread misapprehensions, that neither I nor my Department design, manufacture or sell aeroplanes. I accept that designers are going to these other occupations. But is the hon. Gentleman suggesting that we should have some form of restrictive employment regulations for the aircraft industry? I am sure that that is not acceptable. As I understand it, the rates of pay offered by these American firms are greatly in excess of what the men concerned are receiving now, so that even if the work were in the British industry it might not necessarily stop the drain of which the hon. Gentleman complains.

Mr. Onslow

Would the Minister confirm that, as that Answer seems to imply that he regards the skilled men who work for Comprehensive Design Incorporated as lost to the British industry? Would he not agree to enumerate such measures as he has already taken to increase confidence in the British industry?

Mr. Mulley

I think that fully to answer that question would take rather a long time, but, as I said quite clearly, the defence requirements of the country have been studied and we are trying now to settle the outstanding civil aircraft requirements.