§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will indicate whether the Royal Aircraft Establishments, Farnborough, Bedford and Cardington are subject to Government economies; what savings have been imposed; and what form they are likely to take.
§ Mr. PattieThe Royal Aircraft Establishment, like other establishments of the Ministry of Defence, is subject to the Government's drive for greater efficiency and economy in the public service. Its roles and functions are being examined as part of a review of R & D establishments by a steering group under the chairmanship of my noble Friend the Minister of State for Defence. A reduction in manpower at the establishment and its outstations will also be required in the context of the reductions in Civil Service staff announced in the House on 6 December 1979—[Vol. 975, c. 627]—and on 14 March 1980—[Vol. 980, c. 748.] The implications of these reductions have yet to be worked out in detail for individual establishments. Meanwhile, however, restrictions on recruitment have been introduced.