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§ Mr. Frank Cook (Stockton, North)I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 20, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely,
the imminent award by this Government of defence procurement contracts for an airborne early warning system, probably to a foreign supplier, the possible acquisition of the entire British technological alternative package by a European competitor and the consequent forfeiture of export market potential of national economic benefit.The matter is specific in that it relates to two possible options. One is British, custom-made to Ministry of Defence requirements and modified at ever-increasing cost to the taxpayer as the prospective purchasers upgraded their demands and specifications. The other option is American. It is admittedly a comprehensive system, but it is much more expensive. It is available almost off the shelf. It could have been purchased more than five years ago and it could have provided us with an early warning system much earlier if the need had been as pressing as the Prime Minister would now have us believe—so pressing that we may squander the fruit of British brain power before Christmas.The matter is important in that the level of taxpayers' investment in this project—a project specific to changing Ministry of Defence requirements—has been colossal. That investment may now prove a loss to Britain and, ironically, a major gain to France. We know that French representatives have been present at all recent technical evaluations of Nimrod at the invitation of the Ministry of Defence. Could it be that the French investor might acquire the GEC package lock, stock and barrel, so reaping the fruit of our investment and probably cornering the considerable export potential that is available?
The matter is urgent, and needs urgent attention, as it is generally thought that a statement on the Government's decision may be made tomorrow. A debate after that announcement would be little more than a self-indulgent display of emasculating exhibitionism. This House must be afforded the opportunity to debate the issues in full before the decision is finalised, rather than afterwards. The House must be allowed to express a view and then vote upon the issue. I appeal to you, Mr. Speaker, to put the matter to the House this afternoon.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 20, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he believes should have urgent consideration, namely,
the imminent award by this Government of defence procurement contracts for an airborne early warning system, probably to a foreign supplier, the possible acquisition of the entire British technological alternative package by a European competitor and the consequent forfeiture of export market potential of national economic benefit.I have listened with care to what the hon. Gentleman said, as I listened yesterday to the submission by the right hon. Member for Llanelli (Mr. Davies). I regret that I have to give him the same answer as I gave yesterday. I am bound by the criteria laid down under Standing Order No. 20 and I cannot, therefore, submit his application to the House.