§ 2. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to decide whether to order the air defence ground environment 15/85 radar system.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence Procurement (Mr. Geoffrey Pattie)Offers are now being assessed, and the results of two competitions should be decided soon.
§ Mr. JannerIs the Minister aware of the great importance of the decision being made soon? The Sea Wolf project, now being dealt with by Marconi. is much appreciated in my constituency, although the two Marconi plants are still at risk until the Sea Dart and other projects are decided. Will the Minister do his best to see that a decision is made soon and favourably?
§ Mr. PattieI assure the hon. and learned Gentleman that the considerations that he mentions and which he so assiduously espouses are continually in our minds.
§ Mr. LathamIs my hon. Friend aware that there is much gratitude on an all-party basis, both in the city of Leicester and in the county of Leicestershire, for his recent decision to help Marconi Radar? Will he bear in mind that it is important for the Government to buy British wherever possible?
§ Mr. PattieI am grateful to my hon. Friend for his remarks. I confirm that our policy is to buy British wherever possible, as we are doing with 90 per cent. of the current equipment budget.