HC Deb 25 March 1971 vol 814 cc874-6
Q.3. Mr. Barnett

asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Treasury and the Departments of Trade and Industry, Aviation Supply and Employment in the implementation of the Government's economic policies; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. Arrangements already exist for close co-ordination between all Departments concerned with economic policy.

Mr. Barnett

While wishing well to the negotiations which are at present going on in Washington over the Rolls-Royce affair, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is satisfied with the handling of this affair by the Minister of Aviation Supply, bearing in mind that the net result seems likely to be the saving of Lockheed from bankruptcy while the Government are not prepared to put up one penny to save British subcontractors from the same fate?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Gentleman should not prejudge the results of the negotiations.

Mr. Rose

In view of the large-scale redundancies, not only at Rolls-Royce but at Hawker Siddeley and other factories, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to say what special facilities will be made available to help skilled workers into other employment and what additional industrial training will be provided for those who do not already have skills?

The Prime Minister

Special arrangements have already been announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment. If, however, the hon. Gentleman requires further information, perhaps he will table a Question on the subject to him.

Mr. Dalyell

What exactly do the Government mean by saying that they have no control over the Receiver?

The Prime Minister

The Receiver is appointed by the debenture holders to be their representative and is an independent person.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Does my right hon. Friend recall that 2,600 redundancies at A. V. Roe in the North-West of England were due entirely to the cancellation of the TSR2 and the purchase of American fighter aircraft, which put my constituents out of work?

The Prime Minister

That was a consequence of the Labour Government's policy.