HC Deb 23 February 1970 vol 796 cc808-9
23. Mr. Corfield

asked the Minister of Technology whether he is satisfied that Handley Page Aircraft now has an adequate staff, particularly in the sphere of design, satisfactory to carry out their contract with his Department for the conversion of Victor bombers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Carmichael

Yes, Sir. The firm is making satisfactory progress on the initial development work.

Mr. Corfield

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that it will be possible, without subcontracting, to complete the design work that is still outstanding?

Mr. Carmichael

There is a possibility that subcontracting may be necessary, but the firm is now actively engaged in recruitment, and I expect it to be successful in arranging for the necessary design and other resources to be available in time.

Mr. Snow

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the worst possible losses, both in design and production staff, occurred during the last two years of Conservative Administration—a blow from which the industry found it very difficult to recover?

Mr. Carmichael

We hope, with the new work coming into the firm and the reconstruction of the firm, that this will be a thing of the past, and that the firm will move on to a secure future.

Mr. Goodhew

Why are the Government taking so long to confirm the orders and place contracts for this job? Does the hon. Gentleman realise that had this been confirmed at an earlier stage it might have got Handley Page through a difficult time? As it is, the Government have made life much more difficult for the firm by delaying for so long.

Mr. Carmichael

It is not easy to get this question settled as quickly as the hon. Gentleman suggests. The firm has contract cover for the work it is doing, and discussions are going on with the Department for further work. I am well aware of the importance of further contract cover being given or allocated, and this is being discussed within the Department.