§ Mr. Erskine Hillasked the Secretary of State for Air what is the proportion 1068W of firms engaged in sub-contracting work for air production in Scotland, compared with firms in other parts of the country; and whether he will take steps to see that Scotland has an adequate share of this work?
Captain BalfourSub-contracts are placed by main contractors and I regret therefore that the figures asked for by my hon. and learned Friend could not readily be made available. I have no doubt however that my right hon. Friend's recent request to airframe contractors to sub-contract a large proportion of their work, together with the other measures he is taking to broaden the basis of production as explained to the House on the 10th November, will give Scottish firms further opportunities for sub-contract work.