§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) if his Minister of State consulted the management of Scottish Aviation before he stated in the House on 8th November that the company was in a particularly grave situation and that only the Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries Bill would save it; and if he will make a statement; (2) what assurances he has given to Scottish Aviation about the future of the company in the event of its being nationalised.
§ Mr. KaufmanMy understanding from the firm is that additional work is urgently needed to avoid further substantial reductions in manpower. However, as my right hon. Friend told the House on 29th June
We and the Organising Committee see a continuing future for aircraft work at Prestwick. The Scottish Aviation work force is skilled and flexible, and is well equipped to play a vigorous and distinctive role in British Aerospace ".—[Vol. 914, c. 237]That remains the position.