HC Deb 15 November 1989 vol 160 cc352-3
9. Mr. Brazier

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of employees employed in the defence industry or defence-related industries in Scotland.

Mr. Lang

The Ministry of Defence estimates that in 1986–87, the latest period for which estimates are available, some 17,000 people in Scotland were directly employed with contractors supplying equipment to the Ministry of Defence.

Mr. Brazier

Can my hon. Friend confirm that the high level of involvement that he has mentioned, together with the disproportionately high contribution that Scottish people have made to the armed forces over the generations, confirms the strong commitment of Scottish people towards the defence of these islands and belies the pacifist attitude of many Opposition Members?

Mr. Lang

I am happy to confirm that. Indeed, 10 per cent. of United Kingdom defence industry employment is to be found in Scotland, which is higher than our share of the population. Scotland has always made a major contribution to the defence of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Dunnachie

Does the Minister know that the engineering plant at Shank and Barchead has been threatened with closure and that that closure poses a threat to the defence of the British nation because it is the only engineering plant in Britain that produces a specialist valve for the Royal Navy? Will the Minister use his good offices to ensure that the closure does not take place, thus safeguarding the nation?

Mr. Lang

Commercial decisions of that sort are essentially for the management of the company, but I feel sure that if the valve is as special as the hon. Gentleman has suggested, a way will be found to ensure that it continues to be available to the Ministry of Defence.

Mr. Steel

Will the Minister have a word with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and ensure that an early and favourable decision is made about the award of the radar system for the European fighter aircraft to Ferranti Systems in Edinburgh?

Mr. Lang

The right hon. Gentleman will know that that is not exclusively a matter for the United Kingdom Government; it requires agreement among the partners in the EFA project. Certainly Ferranti remains in contention, but the matter has yet to be decided.