§ 25. Mr. McMasterasked the Minister Technology what progress has been made in his negotiations with the Rohr Corporation of America for its purchase of an interest in Short Brothers and Harland.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuWe are now studying proposals which have just been received from Rohr and will make a further statement as soon as possible.
§ Mr. McMasterI thank the Minister of State for that reply. Can he say what steps are being taken to protect the successful aircraft and missile design and production efforts of Short Brothers and Harland as a part of Rohr? It is interested mainly in the development of engine cowls, but it is important for Northern Ireland that these other aspects of Short Brothers' work should be protected.
§ Mr. MallalieuThese matters are very much in mind in the negotiations.
§ Mr. David PriceIs the Minister of State aware that this matter has dragged on for some time? Am I to gather from that reply that the fault is largely with Rohr which has been dragging its feet, rather than with any other participant?
§ Mr. MallalieuI do not like to chuck blame around. Where two parties are in negotiation, one party cannot control the time scale entirely. But we shall have a report fairly soon.