§ 2.45 p.m.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make a statement on the change in Government policy relating to the manufacture and supply of military and civil aircraft.]
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR AIR (LORD DE L'ISLE AND DUDLEY)My Lords, the reasons for the changes in the defence programme and their general scope were explained in the statement made in this House on December 4 by my noble friend the Minister of Defence. The main effect on the air production programme is that although the 897 curve of production will rise less steeply than had been planned, the output of military aircraft will continue to expand. The changes may create temporary redundancies in two or three firms, but these are not expected to exceed some 2,500, out of a total of over 200,000 persons employed in the industry. Moreover, the labour force engaged on defence work in the industry is expected to rise by some 10,000 during the next twelve months.
The emphasis from now on upon the super-priority types will continue. It is hoped that the reduction in the size of orders for a number of current types will increase the speed with which super-priority types can be introduced into service. The decision to reduce orders for this or that aircraft reflects in no way whatsoever on the technical or operational qualities of the aircraft concerned. This is particularly true in the case of the Canberra, which is the first of the super-priority types to be introduced into service. The Canberra will, of course, continue to be accorded super-priority.
The reduction in the load of the defence programme in the industry should make it possible for a number of firms to accept export orders which they have so far had to refuse. My right honourable friend the Minister of Supply has impressed on the industry the overriding importance of expanding aircraft exports in every way possible, and the industry has welcomed the greater opportunities for export now open to it. On the civil side, careful consideration is being given to the possibility of expanding production of our newer types, and there will certainly be an increase in employment in this field. In this the reduction in the defence load should assist materially.
§ LORD OGMOREWhilst thanking the Minister for his statement, may I ask him two questions? First, what effect will the change of policy have on the production of the new Delta Wing military aircraft; and, secondly, will it enable the British aircraft manufacturers of jet and turbo-prop civil aircraft, such as the Comet, the Viscount and the Britannia, to fulfil in the near future foreign and home orders for these aircraft at mach earlier dates than we had previously contemplated.
§ LORD DE L'ISLE AND DUDLEYPerhaps I may take the noble Lord's questions in the reverse order. The reduction in some of the orders for some of the types which we were procuring for the Royal Air Force should have a favourable effect on the production, for instance, of the Viscount which the noble Lord mentioned. If I may give an example, we are not taking so many Varsity aircraft, which should react favourably, not only upon the Viscount but also upon the super-priority Valiant bomber in the same way. The noble Lord was asking about the Delta Wing Avro Vulcan. It is difficult to be precise, certainly in prophesying the future, but the effect should be to help the firm in accelerating the production of that new medium bomber.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, arising out of the Secretary of State's reply, may I ask these questions? First, do we understand that he is completely satisfied with the Canberra as a Service aircraft? Secondly, does this mean that there will be a cut in the total orders for Canberras, but that as a result of that cut the first-line squadrons will be equipped with Canberra bombers more quickly than would otherwise be the case? Thirdly, can he say when he thinks it will be possible to convert the general hope expressed in the last sentence of his reply, that the production of civil aircraft would be speeded up, into a more positive statement on the effect which this change will have in increasing our exports? Can we have a more positive statement from Her Majesty's Government?
§ LORD DE L'ISLE AND DUDLEYIn answer to the first part of the noble Lord's supplementary question—yes, the Royal Air Force is completely satisfied with the Canberra as a light bomber. It has given a very satisfactory performance. I should like to remind the House that the Canberras were extremely successful on the tour of South America recently undertaken by Air Vice Marshal Boyle with four Canberras. Except for an unfortunate encounter with a vulture they were completely serviceable, although they staved no more than thirty-six hours in each place. That is a high tribute to the men who maintained them. It is also true that we hope the general effect of the changes will be to increase the pace at which further Canberras are brought into 899 the Service. And that is why the Canberra is remaining one of the super-priority items. Thirdly, I will convey to my right honourable friend the Minister of Supply the remarks of the noble Lord about the advisability of making, at a later date, a more complete statement about the prospects of both civil and military types.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEI thank the noble Lord.