HC Deb 05 February 1968 vol 758 cc27-8
47. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Minister of Technology why it took his Department two months to give clearance to Messrs George Keith and Son of Arbroath to enable them to tender for an export order to Holland; and what steps he is taking to accelerate procedures in his Department to prevent a recurrence of this delay.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Technology (Mr. Gerry Fowler)

This was exceptional and no change in procedures is necessary. The work in checking the design and patent situation should have been completed in four to five weeks. I regret that an error causing a delay of about three weeks upset the priority usual to such applications.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Is not the Ministry of Technology taking this matter rather lightly? Is it not wholly scandalous that two months' delay should prejudice an export order of this nature — two months of delay of pure bureaucracy? What is the Ministry doing seriously to correct this disgraceful sort of delay?

Mr. Fowler

The language used by the hon. Member is a little strong and a little misleading. It was known at the time that this was not a situation in which an export order would be prejudiced, because the Dutch authorities were not likely to take a decision on the equipment, of which the order was a very minor part. until the middle of 1968.