HC Deb 15 April 1975 vol 890 cc256-8
9. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many aircraft, according to type, will be constructed or refitted at Hawker Siddeley, Manchester—Chadderton and Woodford— during 1975, 1976 and 1977 for use by the British forces; and how many orders by the British forces will be outstanding at Hawker Siddeley, Manchester— or the corresponding division of a nationalised aircraft industry—on 1st January 1977 according to present commitments.

Mr. William Rodgers

It is not the practice to give details of this kind, but it is expected that in each of the years in question the Manchester factories of HSA will have work on Victor K2 tanker conversions and on the manufacture of Nimrods. Refitting of the long-range maritime patrol force Nimrods with new avionics equipment is also planned to begin in the first half of 1977. There is also an ongoing programme of work in support of aircraft in service.

Mr. Bennett

Does my hon. Friend appreciate that the main concern of the workers of Hawker Siddeley is over continuity of work? Is he aware that they are particularly concerned that there should be far more co-ordination between the Ministry of Defence, the Treasury and the Department of Industry to ensure that they get continuity of work, not necessarily on defence contracts?

Mr. Rodgers

My hon. Friend makes a fair point about continuity. This is a problem not only in this case but in other industries concerned with defence procurement. I am satisfied that there is appropriate co-ordination. If my hon. Friend has any particular problems in mind, perhaps he will be kind enough to let me know.

Mr. Wall

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Hawker Siddeley factory in Brough faces a serious future with respect to employment unless he orders the maritime Harrier and accepts orders for the Buccaneer from South Africa? Is he aware that the trade unions have gone to see the South African Ambassador to say that they would like to build the aircraft?

Mr. Rodgers

I should like to hear the latter sentiment from those concerned rather than from the hon. Gentleman. I fully understand the principal problem of employment. I have met representatives of Hawker-Siddeley, Brough, and we appreciate that there are difficulties.

Mr. James Johnson

Is my hon. Friend fully aware how deeply these defence cuts will bite into the work load of Hawker Siddeley which employs 4,000 or 5,000 Humberside workers? Other hon. Members and I have received deputations in Hull and Westminster which have expressed great anxiety. The Government turned down a request to make and export Buccanneers to South Africa. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] We do not want to export them to South Africa because we object to the society and way of life of South Africa. That apart, will the Minister tell us what answer we can give to those men in their anxious state of mind?

Mr. Rodgers

I know of my hon. Friend's long and deep concern about Brough. He puts his finger, properly, on a genuine dilemma, which is the need to make substantial savings on defence to contribute to the problems of the national economy and at the same time to avoid consequences for employment. It is a difficult problem, and we are trying to find a reasonable middle way.

Mr. Pattie

Is the Minister aware that research and development work is in progress at Woodford on the airborne early warning system? What will be the consequences for employment there if that British project is cancelled in favour of the American airborne and early warning control system?

Mr. Rodgers

That is a hypothetical question because for the moment research is continuing, and we are a long way off making the sort of decision which the hon. Gentleman has in mind.