HC Deb 05 May 1965 vol 711 cc1348-50
33. Mr. Maude

asked the Minister of Aviation what representations he has now received from the Electronic Engineering Association on the subject of British communication and navigational aids for the Concord prototype; what items were involved; and what decisions have resulted from this exchange of views.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The Association has expressed regret at the choice for the Concord prototypes of transponder equipment of American origin and of a radio compass, both of which are minor orders.

Mr. Maude

Is the right hon. Gentleman sure that what is now happening about placing orders for electronic equipment for the Concord is in accordance both with the letter and the spirit of the agreement made with the French? Is he aware that there is some concern in the British industry that the subterfuge of placing orders with American companies through French agents is doing serious harm to British companies?

Mr. Jenkins

It is obviously an important and serious matter, which I am watching and will watch very carefully. In all these advanced aircraft projects there is a good deal of international intermingling, and so far as I know there is no project which does not contain some equipment from other countries—and in most cases from America. But I will watch the situation very carefully. We are very concerned that British firms should get their full share of the electronic equipment for the Concord.

Sir Ian Orr-Ewing

Will the right hon. Gentleman press the French very hard to endeavour to ensure that before contracts are placed with American companies with French offices at least British industry should be given the opportunity to tender? Will he make sure that he is not deceived by the idea that only a prototype will be bought, because all tradition in this sphere shows that if a prototype is bought the main order tends to go to the same firm? Will he bear this fact in mind?

Mr. Jenkins

Certainly we would consider going outside only if there were a very big cost differential. But it is important to keep the matter in perspective. Of the two orders that I have mentioned, one is for £19,000 and the other is for £6,000.

34. Mr. Maude

asked the Minister of Aviation if he is satisfied that the placing of important orders for communication and navigational aids for the Concord with United States companies or associates will not enable that country to gain valuable knowledge of secret specifications and designs; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Yes, Sir. There is nothing that American companies are likely to learn in this way that they could not have known already.

Mr. Maude

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind, however, that as this develops that situation may arise and the points which we were discussing on the last Question may well become even more important?

Mr. Jenkins

I do not think that this situation will arise. It is extremely important to see that we get a fair share of work in this country, but, with respect, the hon. Member's supplementary question is based on a misapprehension. With a large number of American airlines having placed tentative orders for this aircraft, and with it being the practice, as it will be, to seek a certificate of airworthiness from the Federal Aviation Agency several years in advance of the aircraft's coming into service, there are all sorts of means by which the Americans could discover everything about the aircraft if they wished to.

Mr. Fell

The right hon. Gentleman talks about fair shares, and so on, but is not the real point that until Government Departments—not necessarily in respect of this order—give a direction in respect of Government contracts that British goods shall be used where they are competitive and able to do the job, we will not get them?

Mr. Jenkins

The Question is not about fair shares. The Question concerns secrecy, and secrecy is entirely inapposite to civil aviation projects.

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