HC Deb 11 July 1967 vol 750 cc409-10
29. Mr. Fortescue

asked the Minister of Technology what aircraft will be the core of the British aircraft construction industry in the 1970s.

Mr. Benn

A wide range of civil and military aircraft will be under construction in the 1970s. It would be difficult to single out any one of them for special mention.

Mr. Fortescue

Does the Minister recall that on 30th November, 1966, the then Minister of Aviation said, when asked what would happen if the AFVG project failed, that the Government were well advanced with contingency planning and that an announcement would be made also immediately if the project failed. Would he now give the House a technological definition of "almost immediately?"

Mr. Benn

5th July is not very long ago, and Thursday is the day after tomorrow. If that does not do for the hon. Gentleman, I do not know what will satisfy him.

Mr. Hastings

Does the Minister really think there is no connection between AFVG cancellation and the existence of the Dassault Mirage 3G?

Mr. Benn

My right hon. Friend made a statement on this point, referring to what M. Messmer had said to him, and we shall have a full opportunity of discussing this. It is certainly not for me to comment.

Mr. R. Carr

But does the right hon. Gentleman's answer a moment ago, referring to all the other work being undertaken, and which has been going on for some years, mean that the Government think a core is no longer needed for this apple?

Mr. Benn

I do not think that I can do better than refer the right hon. Gentleman to the various projects which are to be developed in the 'seventies. This is what the Question is about. The percentage of work, for different aircraft, I am prepared to give to the House, if the right hon. Gentleman wants it, but on the civil side, of course, the largest project is Concord.