HC Deb 27 January 1975 vol 885 cc26-7W
29. Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if his proposals for the nationalisation of the aircraft industry are subject to the condition that the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Heffer

Our proposals to bring the aircraft industry into public ownership in no way depend on the question of our continued membership of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Warren

asked the Secretary of Stae for Indusry if he will start consultations with the other Common Market aircraft manufacturers as to the future of their business relationships with the British companies he is seeking to nationalise.

Mr. Benn

It has been made quite clear that all those in contractual relationship with the companies can be assured that existing obligations will be fully honoured. It will be for the new corporation to consider its strategy on collaboration with overseas aircraft manufacturers.

Mr. Warren

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will give an assurance that to avoid disruption of normal company business his Department will approach any director or employee of BAC, HSA or HSD, with whom he wishes to have any formal or informal discussions on his proposals for the nationalisation of their companies only with the approval of the company concerned.

Mr. Benn

No. I shall be happy for my Department to receive comments from anyone on the Consultative Document I have published.

Mr. Warren

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if the cost of the salaries and expenses of all the staff of BAC, HAS and HSD, or their parent companies, involved in work and travel in connection with his proposals for the nationalisation of these companies will be paid for by his Department.

Mr. Benn

No.

Mr. Cope

asked the Secretary of State for Industry when he expects to be able to announce the order of magnitude of the cost to public funds of the proposed nationalisation of aircraft companies.

Mr. Meacher

The compensation terms will be set out in the Bill.