HC Deb 05 June 1972 vol 838 cc28-9
33. Mr. Millan

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now make a statement about the Marshall Report on the aircraft industry.

Mr. Onslow

I have as yet nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member's similar Question on 8th May.—[Vol. 836, c. 257.]

Mr. Millan

Is not it highly unsatisfactory that this major industry, which employs very large numbers of people, should be in this continuing state of uncertainty about Government policy towards it? As for publication of the Marshall Committee Report, since there has been Press comment to the effect that the report is a worthless document, would not it be only fair to Sir Robert Marshall as well as useful to the industry that the report should be published now, with any deletion of confidential information? Is not it thoroughly unsatisfactory that we have a number of reports concerning major industries about which this House is completely uninformed?

Mr. Onslow

I do not accept that the aircraft industry is in a state of uncertainty about the Government's attitude towards it. It is one of support, and a great deal better support than the hon. Gentleman's Government gave it at one time. I have nothing to say about Press comment. We are anxious that a statement should be made, but there is no question of publishing the report.

Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

Even so, will my hon. Friend sympathetically consider publishing either a Green Paper or a White Paper on the future of the aircraft industry as the Government now see it?

Mr. Onslow

The House will receive the fullest information at the appropriate moment. I should welcome a debate.

Mr. Dalyell

Have the Government reflected on the effect of their decision on subcontractors such as Reyrolle-Parsons?

Mr. Onslow

I have no notice that there is such an effect.

Mr. Wilkinson

Is my hon. Friend aware that one of the very many leaks that there have been is to the effect that two major air-frame groups, Hawker Siddeley and BAC, are to be merged? In view of the Rolls-Royce experience, should not my hon. Friend be encouraging European groupings in future?

Mr. Onslow

I note what my hon. Friend says, though it would not necessarily produce a smaller unit. In any event, this is a matter in the first instance for the firms concerned.