HC Deb 10 March 1947 vol 434 cc133-4W
88. Wing-Commander Millington

asked the Minister of Transport why a contract for Radar equipment to control shipping in the Mersey harbour has been placed by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board with the Sperry Gyroscope Company, Limited, as this company has no Radar experience and no Radar manufacturing facilities in this country, and in view of the fact that competitive tenders were submitted by British firms of unparalleled experience who have been producing this equipment during the war.

Mr. Barnes

The placing of this contract is entirely a matter for decision by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, but I have made inquiries of them and am informed that they invited tenders for equipment for a shore radar installation to supervise the movements of ships which would meet the known technical requirements of such a device and the operational requirements of the port. Two tenders were submitted to the Board and after full consideration they accepted the tender of the company to which my hon. Friend refers. This company has established an organisation for the manufacture of radar equipment in this country.