§ 9. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Supply what orders he obtained for British aircraft as the result of his recent talks in Bonn with the West German Defence Minister.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesMy recent talks with the West German Defence Minister were concerned with closer Anglo-German co-operation on defence research and development and covered a wide range of projects, including in particular surface-to-air missiles and aircraft. Discussions continue.
§ Mr. Liptonis not this evidence of the horrible mess in which the British aircraft industry finds itself, with a Conservative Minister of Supply—according to reports which have not been denied—going around the Continent peddling British aircraft to the German Government? A decision on this matter was going to be indicated some time this month. What is the result of the right hon. Gentleman's activities as a salesman?
§ Mr. JonesI trust the hon. Gentleman will not believe everything that the papers happen to say about me, or will expect me to deny everything that the papers have to say about me. The purpose of my visit to Bonn was perfectly simple. Herr Strauss was over here in the spring discussing research and development, and I continued the discussions last month when I was in Bonn. Matters of this kind do not reach finality very quickly, and, as I said in my answer to the main Question, the discussions continue.
§ Mr. LiptonThe answer is unsatisfactory.