§ 26. Mr. Gowerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence what proportion of defence orders have been placed in Wales during each of the last three years; and how these proportions compare with the proportions placed in England and Scotland, respectively, during these years.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence (Mr. Nigel Birch)The proportions are 3 per cent., 4 per cent. and 4 per cent., respectively. Corresponding figures for England are 90, 87 and 92, and for Scotland 7, 9 and 4. The figures are for main contracts only, and take no account of sub-contracts.
§ Mr. GowerDoes my right hon. Friend consider that a reasonable proportion of these orders are being placed in the industrial areas of Wales and Scotland?