§ 67. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement on the changes in his production programme at Armstrong Whitworths, Baginton, Coventry, which are causing a redundancy of 200 workers.
§ Mr. ErrollArmstrong Whitworth Aircraft Ltd. at present manufactures at its works at Baginton, Coventry, Sea Hawk and Hunter fighters against Ministry of Supply and American off-shore contracts. The Admiralty recently decided to reduce slightly its total requirements of Sea Hawk aircraft, because new equipment and technique, such as the mirror landing98W sight and the angled deck on its aircraft carriers, should materially reduce the accident rate and consequent wastage of aircraft in service. As a result of this cut in requirements, Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft's production of Sea Hawks finishes a few months earlier and the firm has dismissed about 150 workers, and may reduce its labour force by a further 50 in the near future. I have every hope that these men will have no difficulty in finding employment with other firms in the Coventry area engaged in work of national importance.