§ 18. Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to assist British shipbuilders to sell naval vessels and British equipment manufacturers to sell marine equipment abroad.
§ Mr. SpeedThe services of the Defence Sales Organisation, which is continually looking for opportunities to promote the sale of British naval vessels and marine equipment abroad, are fully available to all British shipbuilders and marine equipment manufacturers.
§ Mr. PriceIs my hon. Friend aware that our competitors in these matters, the Netherlands Royal Navy, has recently completed a major cruise lasting nearly a year, with senior ministers arriving at every port to try to sell the equipment? Is he aware that if his Department is to support British shipbuilders and marine equipment manufacturers, it must move up market?
§ Mr. SpeedI am aware of that. I shall visit Rotterdam to attend a major naval exposition in a fortnight's time to try to do the same.
§ Mr. DuffyWill the hon. Gentleman impress upon other Departments, whose support is vital for any assistance of the type for which his hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Mr. Price) calls that the end result of such assistance would be not only much-needed escort vessels, but much-needed shipbuilding jobs?