§ 151. Sir R. Robinsonasked the Minister of Supply whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Hawker Aircraft Company to withdraw the production of the Hunter aircraft from Blackpool to Kingston; and what steps it is proposed to take to find an alternative use for the Blackpool factory.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesYes. I am consulting with the company and with other members of the industry on the future use of the factory space as it becomes spare. However, it may not be possible to find follow-on defence work to keep this factory employed. I am therefore also in consultation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade regarding the possibility of finding new work for it outside the defence field. I am also keeping in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service.