HC Deb 08 December 1965 vol 722 c408
25. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Aviation if the electronic equipment for the Phantom aircraft will be manufactured in Great Britain.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 4th August, 1965, to the hon. Member for Poplar (Mr. Mikardo). Further items of British manufacture are under consideration.

Mr. Rankin

Can my right hon. Friend give us a little more certainty about the future of the electronic installations? Will he realise that there is some uncertainty in the British industry at the moment? In view of this, will he give serious consideration to making electronic equipment available for the British versions of the Phantom?

Mr. Jenkins

Yes, Sir. We have already indicated that we are prepared, if necessary, to pay a substantial premium for British electronic and other equipment for the Phantom. There is, I believe, a general recognition that, as far as possible, when a foreign aircraft is bought we should install a substantial amount of British equipment, and we are doing so in the Phantom.

Mr. R. Carr

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the Prime Minister's pledge earlier this year will be adhered to in this respect?

Mr. Jenkins

Yes, certainly.