§ 72. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Supply if he is aware of the danger of unemployment at the Bristol Aeroplane Company's factory as a result of the Government's action in discontinuing support for the production of the Orion engine and by the running down of existing contracts; and what steps are being taken to prevent this by using this engine in other transport aircraft.
§ Mr. W. J. TaylorMy right hon. Friend is aware of the danger of unemployment, and he considered any possible uses for the Orion before reaching his decision, but he could not escape the facts that this engine is no longer required in the immediate future either by one of the Coroporations or by the Royal Air Force; and that there is no assurance of a requirement for the Services or the Corporations emerging in the longer term. Given the pressing need for financial savings, therefore, my right hon. Friend decided that there was no alternative to withdrawing further support from the engine, notwithstanding its unquestioned technical merits. This will save several millions of pounds, which we should not be justified in spending in the absence of a clear requirement.