HC Deb 27 June 1967 vol 749 cc59-60W
61. Mr. Orme

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement about the proposed change in chairmanship of Short Brothers and Harland.

62. Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will now make a statement about the chairmanship of Short Brothers.

Mr. Benn

The Company is passing through a period of reorganisation and I am therefore considering a successor to the present chairman to lead the company in the new phase that lies ahead.

63. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Minister of Technology if he will give details, and state the total value of, missile orders placed in each of the past five years with Short Brothers and Harland.

Mr. Benn

It would not be in the public interest to give this information.

64. Mr. Pounder

asked the Minister of Technology what is the total value of aircraft construction work at present on order with Short Brothers and Harland.

67. Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Technology what is the number and total value of sub-contract aircraft construction order at present being executed by Short Brothers and Harland.

Mr. Bean

The outstanding value of my Department's aircraft orders with Short Brothers and Harland is approximately £4 million. Information on the amount of Government aircraft work subcontracted to this company is not readily available to my Department.

65. Mr. Pounder

asked the Minister of Technology what was the total value of overseas sales of aircraft and missiles including sub-contract work completed in each of the past seven years by Short Brothers and Harland.

Mr. Benn

This information is only available to my Department in confidence.

66. Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Technology what is the total value of orders received by Short Brothers and Harland for the Skyvan light freighter aircraft.

Mr. Benn

Shorts have contracts for Skyvan, either firm or in the closing stages of negotiation, worth some £7 millions. I am pleased to be able to inform the House that the Government have decided to continue financial support for this promising aircraft.

Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Technology what plans he has for the future organisation of Short Brothers and Harland; and to what extent aircraft and missile production is to be continued.

Mr. Benn

The Company will continue to be engaged in the production of the Tigercat and Seacat missiles both for the use of H.M. Forces and for export. As regards the Company's aircraft interests, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Stratton Mills) on 23rd June.—[Vol. 748, c.346.]

Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement about the constitution of the Board of Short Brothers and Harland.

Mr. Benn

The present Board is comprised, in addition to two executive directors, of four directors appointed by SB (Realisations) Ltd., which holds the Government's shareholding in Short Brothers and Harland Ltd., two directors representing Bristol Aeroplane Company Limited (now a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce Ltd.) and one director representing Harland and Wolff Ltd.