§ 24. Mr. McMasterasked the Minister of Aviation Supply what progress is being made with the capital reconstruction of Short Brothers and Harland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CorfieldThe Rolls-Royce position has introduced a new factor which is being examined, but I confirm my reply on 20th January that reconstruction of the company is currently under consideration. I then promised to make a statement in due course, and I will do so as soon as possible.—[Vol. 809, c. 1048–49.]
§ Mr. McMasterIn view of the substantial loss of work which may result from the failure of Rolls-Royce and also the difficult employment situation in Northern Ireland, will my right hon. Friend do all he can to expedite the decision so that the company can press ahead with both engineering diversification and aviation research, design and production work to maintain employment in Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. CorfieldYes, Sir. However, I am not optimistic about engineering diversification, which has been tried in the past with not very much success.