HC Deb 11 February 1986 vol 91 cc769-70
5. Mr. Willie W. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he next intends to meet representatives of British defence manufacturers to discuss defence procurement.

Mr. Younger

I intend to chair the next meeting of the National Defence Industries Council on 27 February.

Mr. Hamilton

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the future of the Nimrod project is very much in question because of its escalating cost? That project is manufactured primarily by GEC. When the chairman of GEC, the right hon. Member for Waveney (Mr. Prior), makes representations to the right hon. Gentleman, does he speak on behalf of his constituents in Waveney, or is he earning his £60,000 a year as chairman of GEC?

Mr. Younger

Another question has been put down on this subject, but I can tell the hon. Gentleman that when my right hon. Friend the Member for Waveney (Mr. Prior) speaks to me as chairman of GEC, he is, of course, speaking for that company.

Sir John Farr

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the 50 or 60 per cent. of the content of Trident that is supposed to be British is being prepared and whether approaches are being made to British manufacturers to fulfil that proper percentage?

Mr. Younger

We are anxious to secure the highest percentage of British participation in this project, and we shall follow my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. Duffy

At that meeting on 27 February, will the Secretary of State ensure that British defence manufacturers are fully alive not only to the contract and job possibilities open to them through the Nunn and Quayle amendments and the Weinburger memorandum, but to the longer-term threat posed by Gramm-Rudmen?

Mr. Younger

I have no doubt that that subject will be discussed at the meeting.

Mr. Robert Atkins

In connection with the procurement of the 155mm shell for the FH70, does my right hon. Friend agree that had that procurement been from a British company the delay of 15 months that has surrounded this contract would have necessitated possible cancellation and second sourcing from another company? Why should it be any different when we are procuring the balance of the contract from Rheinmetall in Dusseldorf, which is harming many ordnance factories, including the one in my constituency?

Mr. Younger

I appreciate my hon. Friend's strong feelings on the matter, which affects his constituents, but, as he knows, these purchases are part of a work-sharing agreement which is of mutual benefit to West Germany and Britain. It would be impossible to upset the agreement without causing great difficulties.