HC Deb 17 February 1972 vol 831 c600
8. Mr. Onslow

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will place with Royal Air Force maintenance units some of the engine overhaul work at present carried out by Rolls-Royce.

Lord Lambton

The allocation of repair work is constantly under review and we are always trying to get the balance right.

Mr. Onslow

If my hon. Friend has an open mind, will he consider the possibility that if he did this he would not only avoid the dangers of the R.A.F.'s capability being damaged by the kind of strike which took place recently at Rolls-Royce but might also find it possible to return to the air-frame side of the industry a great deal more work, which would be well carried out there?

Lord Lambton

I can only repeat that we are only too anxious to look at every side of this matter.

Mr. Whitehead

Will the hon. Gentleman reiterate that it is the policy of the Government to support Rolls-Royce in the maintenance work it is doing—and doing well?

Lord Lambton

Of course it is our policy to support Rolls-Royce, but that does not necessarily mean that the balance must always be one way.