HC Deb 06 July 1966 vol 731 cc416-7
24. Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of Aviation what discussions he has had with the industry on the part to be played by Great Britain in meeting the longterm world demand for civil transport aircraft.

Mr. Mulley

My Department is in constant touch with the industry on this subject, which is currently being considered by the Transport Aircraft Requirements Committee on which the industry is represented.

Mr. Marten

As the period of gestation of an aircraft is about seven to ten years, could the Minister say whether he is having discussions about the generation of aircraft after the Concord?

Mr. Mulley

I have not had any discussions on the further generation of supersonic aircraft, but, as the hon. Gentleman and the House know, we have been actively concerned with the subsonic airbus, on which I have already answered Questions this afternoon.

Sir Ian Orr-Ewing

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a book shortly to be published, Mr. Worcester makes the claim that he was close to the Labour leadership and advised it about the future structure of the British aircraft industry which has led to the cancellation of so many projects? Is it not true that the right hon. Gentleman himself was in the chair when that advice was given to the Labour Party?

Mr. Mulley

The hon. Gentleman is anticipating a Question of one of my hon. Friends down for Written Answer today. In view of his Question, I will give him the Answer now. I am asked on what occasions we have had the official advice of Mr. Worcester during the lifetime of this Government. The Answer is: None. Mr. Worcester, among many other experts in the field, did partake in discussions with me and some of my right hon. and hon. Friends when we were in opposition, in the same way that I imagine right hon and hon. Gentlemen opposite, consult people in the industry now on these matters.>

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order. As my right hon. Friend has answered Written Question No. 1 put by me, may I ask a supplementary question?

Mr. Speaker

If that was the hon. Gentleman's Written Question, yes.

Mr. Rankin

Then may I thank my right hon. Friend for putting Mr. Worcester in his proper place?