57. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Minister of Technology what representations he has received regarding the proposal of the British Hovercraft Corporation to close its Southampton works in May of this year; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. Carmichael:The first representations received by the Department were from my hon. Friend himself. Subsequently the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight (Mr. Woodnutt) also wrote to my right hon. Friend. I have since met representatives of the staffs concerned. Certain programmes of research and development work have been and continue to be discussed with the British Hovercraft Corporation but the maintenance of any particular facility and level of employment must be a matter for the firm's commercial judgment.
§ 69. Mr. David Priceasked the Minister of Technology whether, in view of the forthcoming closure of the Itchen works of the British Hovercraft Corporation Limited, he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the future of British hovercraft and the extent of their continuing support to the major British manufacturer, the British Hovercraft Corporation Limited.
§ Mr. Carmichael:There has been no change to the Government policy towards the British hovercraft industry since the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, West (Mr. Judd) on 14th November, 1967. My right hon. Friend has appointed an Advisory Committee for Hovercraft and we will consider in the light of its advice what changes, if any, need to be made. As the hon. Member is aware, the British 200W Hovercraft Corporation has enjoyed considerable support in the past, and this continues.—[Vol. 754, c. 191–2.]