HC Deb 19 December 1967 vol 756 cc341-2W
47. Mr. Peyton

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the resignation of Sir Cyril Musgrave from the board of Short Brothers and Harland.

Mr. Benn:

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to similar Questions today.

Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement about Government changes in the constitution of the board and chairmanship of Short Brothers and Harland.

Mr. Benn:

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave today to the hon. Member for Londonderry (Mr. Chichester-Clark).

Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement about the numbers the Government expects to be employed by Short Brothers and Harland during 1968 in design and production work on aircraft and missiles, respectively, and the expected trend of employment over the next two years.

Mr. Benn:

The numbers at present engaged on aircraft and missile work are some 5,000 and some 1,100 respectively. The Company expects that, provided that the projects now entering production are successful and new work currently under negotiation is obtained, this level of employment will be substantially maintained in 1968 and in the following two years.