HC Deb 18 January 1967 vol 739 cc421-2
29. Mr. Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the changes in the disposition of United States forces in Great Britain are to be treated as part of the offset arrangements against the purchase of United States aircraft; and what is the amount involved.

Mr. Healey

I cannot at present say by how much United States stationing costs in this country will be increased as a result of the proposed changes in deployment. As to offset arrangements, the position remains as in my reply of 16th November last to the hon. Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne). [Vol. 736, c. 105–6.]

Mr. Barnett

Would my right hon. Friend give the House some detailed analyses of the figures of offset to date so that the House can judge whether we might, perhaps, have sold these items anyway?

Mr. Healey

I have already given to the House details of every offset arrangement for which contracts have actually been placed. I can, however, assure my hon. Friend that no sales have been made to the United States under the offset arrangements which we could have reckoned to have a good chance of making without the relief from the Buy American Act provisions which we secured as a result of the offset arrangements.

Mr. R. Carr

For the convenience of the House, will the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing in the OFFICIAL REPORT a collected list of the contracts so far obtained under the offset agreement?

Mr. Healey

I will certainly consider doing that.