§ 2.40 p.m.
§ The Earl of KIMBERLEYMy Lords, I beg leave 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 are aware that there are industrial problems at B.A.C. Fairford, which may well delay the delivering of Concorde 208 to British Airways.
§ Lord MELCHETTMy Lords, the Government are aware of the industrial situation at Fairford.
§ The Earl of KIMBERLEYMy Lords, while thanking the Minister for that Answer, may I ask him to inform us what action is being taken about it? Further, is he aware that it is the lack of policy in the aerospace industry that has forced this decision on BAC's workers, thereby making BAC the scapegoat? Would he consider sending a senior Minister, or even the chairman designate of British Aerospace, to Fairford to sort it out personally?
§ Lord MELCHETTMy Lords, I am not sure that it lies in my hands to send senior Ministers, or the chairman designate of British Aerospace, anywhere, let alone to Fairford, at the moment. I certainly would not accept that the present problems of Fairford have anything to do with the policy or lack of policy on the aerospace industry itself. When we had a lengthy debate on this subject in this House, the noble Lord will recall that it was stated that Fairford was being closed for sound reasons by the British Aircraft Corporation. I understand that it is that impending closure and loss of jobs which very understandably has led to some problems at Fairford at the moment.