§ Mr. Pounderasked the Minister of Aviation if he will make a statement on the Government's acceptance, or rejection, of the recommendations of the Plowden Report relating to Short Brothers and Harland, Belfast.
§ Mr. MulleyI have nothing to add at present to the statement which I made in the course of the debate on the Plowden Report on 1st February.
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§ Mr. McMasterasked the Minister of Aviation what plans he now has to maintain employment in Short Brothers and Harland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Currieasked the Minister of Aviation what further orders he intends to place with Messrs. Short Brothers and Harland Limited; what are the employment prospects at their factories; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyAs regards aircraft work, Shorts are continuing, with my full support and approval, to seek sub-contract work, but in a period when the industry as a whole is reducing, the indications are that insufficient sub-contract or other work will be available in time to prevent a substantial run-down.
Diversification into non-aircraft work is a matter which the company is pursing with the support of the Government.