HC Deb 15 July 1959 vol 609 cc37-8W
Mr. D. Price

asked the Minister of Supply what has been the gross output of the British aircraft industry for each year from 1949 to 1958.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

The output of the aircraft manufacturing and repair industry from 1949 to 1958 is estimated at:

£ million £ million
1949 100 1954 275
1950 110 1955 310
1951 130 1956 360
1952 175 1957 395
1953 240 1958 400

This output covers the value of the sales and work done for payment by firms in the industry, but it excludes any double counting which could arise by sales from one firm to another within the industry. It differs, therefore, from the gross output figures shown on the Census of Production which also have a wider coverage of firms.

These figures are less than the totals which could be derived from the recent answers given to my hon. Friend on the value of exports, military and civil purchases of aircraft, engines and components, and research and development work. This difference arises from the fact that exports include a considerable number of used aircraft and engines and the value of exports are enhanced by the electronic and other equipment carried. Purchases on military account also include equipment and components made by firms outside the aircraft industry, whilst expenditure on civil aircraft includes that on imports.