HC Deb 10 November 1981 vol 12 c407
5. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make a decision on those contracts for defence equipment which may involve production at Marconi Radar Systems Ltd.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence Procurement (Mr. Geoffrey Pattie)

Several defence equipment decisions are impending which could bear on production work at Marconi Radar Systems Ltd. They will be taken as early as is practical in each case. The situation of this company has been fully represented to Ministers, and I was very glad that the hon. and learned Gentleman and my hon. Friend the Member for Melton (Mr. Latham) were able to bring a delegation to see me.

Mr. Janner

I thank the Minister for his courtesy and his efforts in this matter. Does he recognise the crucial importance of maintaining employment and scientific knowledge in those two plants in my constituency? Does he appreciate the dreadful effect that the uncertainty is having upon both management and workers there? When will he be able to give a decision on any of the pending contracts?

Mr. Pattie

I assure the hon. and learned Gentleman that the factors that he mentioned form a major part of the considerations. With regard to the heavyweight torpedo and type 909 radars in Sea Dart, decisions will be made when current discussions with the company are satisfactorily concluded.

As I said in a previous reply to the hon. and learned Gentleman, we expect the decision on the tracker radar for the improved Sea Wolf to be made in the next few months. There is, as yet, no endorsed staff requirement for the surveillance radar for type 23 frigates, nor for the lightweight Sea Dart.

Mr. Latham

Is my hon. Friend aware that his constructive meeting with representatives of the company and Members of Parliament was much appreciated? Does he agree that the company's extremely skilled workers have served the Armed Forces and the Crown very well over many years and that that service deserves recognition by the Government?

'Mr. Pattie

I certainly agree with what my hon. Friend has said. I agree also that that recognition has been accorded in the past. We now have to take account of the best way to proceed with these alternative systems.