HC Deb 07 July 1966 vol 731 cc659-60
28. Mr. McMaster

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what are the Government's plans for diversification of production at the factories of Short Brothers and Harland; and what steps he is taking to expedite an early build up of employment on the projects recommended by Sir Matthew Slattery and Mr. Derek Palmer, following their examination of various propositions on behalf of the Government made at the beginning of this year.

Mr. George Brown

As the hon. Gentleman knows, we and the Northern Ireland Government are working closely together on this problem. Some firm plans have already been announced. Others will, I hope, follow soon.

Mr. McMaster

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, so far as it goes. Since the Minister of Aviation recently forecast that 4,000 men would be laid off in under 18 months, would the right hon. Gentleman do all he can to make new lines of production at these factories and new industries available so that the skilled manpower which exists is not wasted?

Mr. Brown

Those in Northern Ireland who know me—and there are many of them in all parts of industry and Government—know that I do not need that prodding. Only recently I saw an important delegation or group of people from Northern Ireland, accompanied by the Minister of Commerce, and we went into all these details. We are working them out to the best of our ability to see that Northern Ireland does not suffer, because I regard that area as one of the parts of this country which can contribute very greatly to the increased output which we so badly need.

Sir Knox Cunningham

What steps are the Government taking to implement the undertaking given by the Conservative Government to maintain employment at Shorts until 1970?

Mr. Brown

The Conservative Government were wonderful at giving undertakings but very poor in putting them into practice.

Mr. McMaster

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.