asked the Secretary of State for Air whether there are at the present time any aircraft factories in Scotland which will be able to take advantage of the recent increased orders for Government supplies of aircraft and accessories; and, if not, whether he will consider the desirability of encouraging the installation of such a factory or factories by some form of guarantee?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but no necessity arises for the suggested guarantees, since the existing capacity of the industry is expected to be sufficient to meet the increased requirements. Engineering firms in Scotland may, however, receive indirect advantage in the shape of subcontracts for materials and components.

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind the fact that there is land and a factory belonging to the War Department at Irvine, Ayrshire, which would be eminently suitable for the manufacture and assembling of aircraft?

If my hon. and gallant Friend is inviting us to start State manufacture, I certainly can hold out no hopes in that direction.