§ 2.42 p.m.
EARL JELLICOEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what production orders have been placed for the British V.T.O.L. P.1127 aircraft.]
§ THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE FOR THE ROYAL AIR FORCE (LORD SHACKLETON)My Lords, initial contracts have been let to enable production of the P.1127 to proceed according to the planned programme. Negotiations with the contractors on the terms of contracts for full production have reached an advanced stage.
EARL JELLICOEMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply, but I must express some disappointment at its terms. May I remind the noble Lord that it is now over eighteen months since the Government reached their decision to cancel the advanced P.1154 aircraft and to order instead the P.1127 and the Phantom, and is not eighteen months a sufficient time for placing of the full production contracts?
§ LORD SHACKLETONMy Lords, the answer to the noble Earl is, No.
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE EARL OF LONGFORD)My Lords, may I, with great respect, venture to suggest that this formula, "May I remind …", is not the right introduction to a supplementary question?
EARL JELLICOEMay I therefore ask the noble Lord whether he is aware that in these matters procrastination is often the enemy of true economy?