§ 3. Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will list the contractors supplying both hardware and software for the Linesman system of air defence radar.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Air Force (Lord Lambton)The principal contractors supplying both hardware and software are the Plessey Co. Ltd., the Marconi Co. Ltd., and Elliott Bros. (London) Ltd.
The principal contractors supplying hardware only are Plessey Radar Ltd., Plessey Telecommunications Ltd. and Ferranti Ltd.
As the list of other contractors is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. HuckfieldI am grateful for that reply. Is it not true that Plessey has been unable to complete the software part of the contract and has had to subcontract? Has not the cost of continuing this hardware contract with Plessey become so high that it would be cheaper to begin again with Honeywell or Univac and to use their hardware system throughout?
§ Lord LambtonI do not think Plessey is as unhappy with the state of affairs as is the hon. Gentleman, and it is going forward with the contract.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat representations has the Department had from Univac?
§ Lord LambtonIf the hon. Gentleman puts down a Question on that matter, I will answer it.
§ Following is the information:
§ Other contracts for hardware and engineering services, etc., have been placed with: