asked the Minister of Supply, in view of the unemployment situation in Northern Ireland, if he will ensure that the sub-contracting facilities of Messrs. Short Bros. and Harland are made available in the fullest degree for the construction of the new British European Airways Corporation jet airliner.

I am ready to do everything I properly can to place work in Northern Ireland, but I have no powers of direction in the case of sub-contracts relating to the British European Airways jet. I am sure, however, that Messrs. Short Bros. and Harland will make every effort to secure sub-contracts for the construction of the new aircraft.

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply and appreciating his difficulties in the matter, may I ask him if he will use his best endeavours to ensure that the experience of Messrs. Short Bros. and Harland in the special fields of experiment is taken fully into account when placing production orders?

Yes, Sir, I have that consideration very much in mind.