asked the Secretary of State for Air if, when a requirement for a long-range freighter is defined for Transport Command, he will ensure that it has a civil as well as a military use; and if he will, in this connection, bear in mind Short and Harland's design which serves both purposes.

Future Transport Command requirements for freighters are now being studied. We shall certainly see whether any type capable of meeting civil as well as Service needs would be suitable. The claims of the Britannia 533, to which I take it my hon. Friend is referring, will naturally be taken into account.

I would like to thank my hon. Friend for his reply, which I am sure will give satisfaction in Northern Ireland. In view of the location and facilities of Short and Harlands, second to none in the country, does my hon. Friend not consider that it would be a tragedy if the firm went out of production, especially as this is one of the few industries in Northern Ireland which are not dependent on sea transport?