HC Deb 27 January 1970 vol 794 cc1201-2
Q2. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister what discussions he had with President Nixon on diversifying the research programmes of United States companies based in the United Kingdom throughout their international divisions.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I have been asked to reply.

I would ask my hon. Friend to await my right hon. Friend's return.

Mr. Dalyell

Whereas the practice of most American companies is of an enlightened order, is my right hon. Friend aware that some of us are unhappy about companies in Central Scotland that seem to be run by telex either from California or Texas? Is it not at least worth talking to the Americans about the moral obligations of international companies to diversify their research and development?

Mr. Jenkins

In general it is desirable that international companies should spread their research and development as they spread their production. It is also possible to argue what is even more important—that adequate research and development should be done and the results made available to all subsidiary companies, wherever they are. An adequate balance must be kept between the two considerations.

Mr. Peyton

Does not the Chancellor agree that this would be a much more confortable subject for the Prime Minister to discuss with President Nixon than almost any other available to him and that otherwise the Prime Minister is really an embarrassment slung around the neck of the President, who has some regard for common sense on Rhodesia and other subjects?

Mr. Jenkins

That supplementary question is as wild as most questions asked by the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Peyton).