§ Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Supply if he will make a statement on the future of the aircraft industry and the policy of his Department in relation to the industry.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesPending the completion of the defence review, which is now being undertaken, I am unable to say what its full implications for the aircraft industry may be, but some reduction in military orders is inevitable. It is vital to the continued prosperity of the industry that this reduction should be offset to the maximum possible extent by increased 91W civil and export work, and that the industry should shape itself to that end. In particular some consolidation of resources is desirable and I accept in principle the recent recommendations of the Select Committee on Estimates that in placing contracts with the industry I should have regard to this need. It is my intention to keep in close touch with the industry in what must clearly be a difficult period of re-adjustment.
§ Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Supply the total amount of Government expenditure since 1945 on research and development in or for the aircraft industry.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesFrom April, 1945, to March, 1957, Ministry of Supply expenditure on research and development in or for the aircraft industry, including expenditure in Government Establishments, has amounted to some £600 million.