HC Deb 09 July 1952 vol 503 cc1306-7
36. Mr. Albu

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence what proposals have been received from the United States Government for the offshore purchase of British defence equipment.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence (Mr. Nigel Birch)

Orders in this country by the United States Government for defence equipment have already been placed to the value of over £20 million. Discussions are still proceeding and it is expected that further substantial orders will be placed.

Mr. Albu

In considering offers of this nature, will the hon. Gentleman draw the attention of his right hon. Friends to the danger of interfering with the long-term developments of our markets in engineering products?

Mr. Birch

The object of the American off-shore purchases is to build up a potential in Europe for armaments production, and it is of advantage to this country that these orders should be placed.

Mr. Albu

Is the hon. Gentleman certain that if these orders are very greatly extended they will not interfere with deliveries of British engineering products and possibly cause us to lose many markets which are at present being built up abroad with very great difficulty?

Mr. Birch

I do not think there is any danger of that kind in the current discussions.