§ 51. Mr. Millanasked the Minister of Aviation if he is aware that Rolls Royce, Ltd. is to dismiss 3,000 men employed 6W in its aero-engine division, because of reduced demand; and if he will make a statement about the future of this part of the aircraft industry.
§ 52 and 53. Mrs. Hartasked the Minister of Aviation (1) if he will hold discussions with the firm of Rolls Royce, Ltd. concerning the present crisis facing the aero-engine industry, with a view to taking steps to avoid the recently-announced forthcoming dismissal of 3,000 of the firm's employees, many of whom are Scottish, and have no possibility of alternative employment;
(2) if he will consider placing a substantial contract for research and development in the field of civil aviation with the firm of Rolls Royce, Ltd., in view of the present crisis in the aeroengine industry and the widespread anxiety about its future prospects.
§ 55. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Aviation what consultations he had with Rolls Royce before the firm decided to dismiss 3,000 of its aircraft industry employees; and what plans were discussed for absorbing them in some other part of the aircraft industry.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI keep in close touch with the industry about future programmes and employment prospects and I have myself discussed its programme several times with the Rolls Royce management. The present military programme with Rolls Royce is large and a number of civil engines are also receiving Government support. I am prepared to consider any proposal the company may put to me to develop further civil engines within the ambit of Government policy as stated by my predecessor on 15th February, 1960, and expect to receive such a proposal soon. Some adjustments in the industry's labour force are unfortunately inevitable. The company has, however, made it clear that its labour force after the redundancies now planned will still be larger than in January, 1960.