HC Deb 25 March 1963 vol 674 cc118-9W
59. Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Aviation (1) what decisions have been taken as a result of his discussions at Chequers with representatives of many British aircraft manufacturing firms, Service chiefs and the British Overseas Airways Corporation relating to the Government's aircraft procurement policy; and if he will make a statement.

60. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Aviation on what basis he selected those invited to the conference at Chequers on 16th March.

Mr. Amery

I arranged the Chequers meeting to provide an opportunity for informal discussion between the Ministry of Aviation, leaders of the aircraft industry and their main customers, the Air Corporations and the Services.

I accordingly issued invitations to leading members of the industry who were in a position to contribute to the discussion from their personal experience and that of their companies.

I also invited the Chairman of B.O.A.C. and B.E.A. and the Deputy Chiefs of Staff.

The agenda included a review of the rationalisation of the industry up to date and its relation to Government and consideration of the military, civil and space programmes. The discussions proved most helpful to my advisers and myself and, I believe, to the others who took part in them. Action on the matters discussed will be taken through the normal channels of government and industry.

Following is a copy of the communiqué issued after the meeting: The Minister of Aviation, the right honourable Julian Amery, M.P., met leaders of the aircraft and aviation industries at Chequers over the week-end. The results of the rationalisation of the industry up to date and its relation to Government were reviewed. The military, civil and space programmes were considered. Action on the matters discussed will be taken through the normal channels. The Minister was assisted at the conference by the Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Neil Marten, M P., and by senior officials of his Ministry. The Chairman of B.O.A.C., Sir Matthew Slattery and the Chairman of B.E.A., Lord Douglas of Kirtleside and the Deputy Chiefs of Staff took part in the conference. Industry was represented by Sir Roy Dobson, President of the S.B.A.C., Lord Nelson of Stafford (British Aircraft Corporation), Marshall of the R.A.F. Sir Dermot Boyle (British Aircraft Corporation), Sir George Dowty (Dowty Group), Sir Arnold Hall (Hawker Siddeley), Sir Denning Pearson (Rolls-Royce), Sir Reginald Verdon-Smith (Bristol Siddeley), Mr. E. C. Bowyer (S.B.A.C.), Mr. W. F. Gill (Rolls-Royce), Mr. J. Lidbury (Hawker Siddeley), Mr. E. C. Wheeldon (Westland), Mr. C. E. Wrangham (Short Bros, & Harland).