HC Deb 13 July 1971 vol 821 cc81-2W
Miss Devlin

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether his Department has produced a specific list of Government contracts that can be offered to Messrs. Short Brothers and Harland to offset any loss of employment that would be otherwise suffered if work on the RB-211 engine is discontinued; whether he will instruct his Department to take all other steps to ensure confidence in this enterprise ; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Corfield

No. Responsibility for placing Government contracts in the aerospace field rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence who will, I know, ensure that Shorts continue to be fully considered for any suitable new Government requirements which arise ; but orders must be won.

My earlier announcement of the intention, with the Northern Ireland Government, to reconstruct the company is a clear indication of our concern for and confidence in Shorts. Its future depends on the efforts of the management and labour force in securing profitable work in a highly competitive environment.—[Vol. 816, c. 51.]