HC Deb 13 July 1965 vol 716 cc51-2W
Mr. Burden

asked the Minister of Aviation what is the total sum that has been or will be paid to main and subcontractors connected with TSR2 as a result of the cancellation of that aircraft.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I cannot at present improve on the estimate included in my answer of 14th April, 1965, to the hon. Member for Dunbartonshire, East (Mr. Bence).

Mr. Burden

asked the Minister of Aviation what are the names of main and sub-contractors who will be compensated by the Government because of the cancellation of TSR2; and what amount each company will receive.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 12th April a list of the main contractors and sub-contractors on the TSR2. As regards payments to individual contractors, I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave the hon. Gentleman on 2nd June, 1965.

Mr. Burden

asked the Minister of Aviation what action the Government have taken or intend to take to replace the work lost by main and sub-contractors engaged on the TSR2 as a result of the cancellation of that aircraft.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The joint Anglo-French military aircraft projects, for a strike trainer and a variable geometry strike fighter, will play an important part in the reorganisation of the programme of work in the industry. In the short term we shall do all we can, by expediting work on existing projects, to help the firms affected by the cancellation of TSR2. However, the redeployment of part of the resources of the aircraft industry for other work was an essential objective of the Government's military aircraft cancellations.