§ Q4. Sir Ian Orr-Ewingasked the Prime Minister on what date the Ministry of Aviation is to be abolished; and which Ministries will take over the various responsibilities.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin) on Tuesday last. Sir.
§ Sir Ian Orr-EwingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is now many months since this decision was announced by the Government, that the aero-space and associated industries are in a condition of extreme uncertainty and that continued uncertainty cannot rebuild the confidence which is so badly needed as a result of the actions taken by his Government?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not so aware. I made the statement in June. The hon. Gentleman will realise the very significant problems here, particularly about the allocation between defence and the civil side, and it is right that we should get the right answer, even if it takes rather longer than we had hoped.
§ Mr. R. CarrBut does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that, in deciding to abolish one system of organisation—the Ministry of Aviation—before first making up his mind what to put in its place, he is breaking one of the acknowledged principles of good management, about which he so often lectures other people?
§ The Prime MinisterThe right hon. Gentleman will recognise that I have discussed fairly fully in the House the considerations which led to this decision. The only thing which is taking the time now is the problem of the exact demarcation between defence and technology. There are certain difficulties here and, in view of the history of the great waste to the taxpayer of insufficient consideration of these questions in the past, I hope that I will be forgiven for spending a little time getting it right.