HC Deb 20 February 1973 vol 851 c209
12. Mr. James Lamond

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make available to interested parties the Leitch Report.

Mr. Blaker

The report of the internal working party on fuses contains a good deal of commercially confidential information and cannot be distributed outside Government circles.

Mr. Lamond

Is the Minister aware that his reply will cause considerable disappointment among the executives of the firm in my constituency which is concerned with this matter, because it will be difficult for them to plan their future operations since they do not have sufficient knowledge of the Government's intentions? Will he consider at least assisting the employment situation in my constituency by making sure that my constituents may be a little more certain about their future by letting the firm have certain information to assist in forward planning?

Mr.Blaker

I am aware of the interest of the firm in the hon. Gentleman's constituency. As my hon. Friend told the House on 1st February, a decision on the future of fuse development and production will be announced shortly.