§ Q12. Mr. Rankinasked the Prime Minister whether his plan for European technological co-operation involves running down the British aviation labour force and to what extent; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
§ The Prime MinisterThe British aircraft industry is already collaborating with partners in Europe on several major aeronautical projects. The Government's policy is to encourage the extension of these arrangements over as wide a programme as possible of military and civil developments. The object of this cooperation is to maintain the aircraft industries within Europe in the face of intensifying competition from America, and to help them prosper, particularly in the steadily growing market for civil aircraft throughout the world. The future level of employment in our industry, and of190W the industries in the rest of Europe, will be determined ultimately by success in obtaining commercial orders, the prospects for which should be substantially enhanced by collaboration.