§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Aviation what orders for aero-space projects were placed by United Kingdom in the United States of America in the period of 10 years up to October, 1964; and if he will give the respective cost in each case.
§ Mr. MulleyImportant aero-space projects for which orders were placed by or on behalf of H.M. Government in the United States in the period of 10 years up to October, 1964, were:
Skybolt air-launched ballistic missile (project cancelled).
Bullpup Air to Surface Guided Bomb, radio controlled.
Sidewinder 1 A Air-to-Air infra-red homing missile.
Polaris submarine launched inter-continental ballistic missile.
Hiller helicopter (used for training).
Development of Phantom F4K for the Royal Navy.
It would not be in the public interest to give the cost of the orders so placed.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Aviation what orders have been received from Commonwealth and foreign countries for British aero-space projects in the period October, 1964, to date, with the cost in each case.
§ Mr. MulleyThe best estimate that can be given of the value of orders received by the British Aerospace industry for the period October, 1964, to date is £230 million. More detailed information is not available.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Aviation what facilities of all kinds are made available by Her Majesty's Government to British firms seeking to sell aero space projects abroad; and whether he will re- 262W view such facilities from time to time to ensure that they are adequate in assisting British firms to meet competition from abroad.
§ Mr. MulleyThe Government helps British firms seeking to sell aerospace products abroad in many ways (apart from the usual facilities extended to any British exporter). Some of the most important are:
- (a) Exportability is a factor taken into account in the framing of military requirements for the British Services.
- (b) Where this can be done without an unacceptable degree of detriment to our own Services, aircraft, engines, equipment and components can be diverted from Government orders or stocks to enable improved deliveries to be offered by manufacturers to overseas customers.
- (c) An organisation has been set up to supply Information Officers at posts abroad with timely, full and accurate information on events of unusual significance for the export prospects of the British aircraft industry. In addition, export achievements, new aircraft and other developments are widely publicised abroad through the official information services.
- (d) The specialist attaches at British overseas Missions assist by reporting sales opportunities, by passing on information to prospective customers and by helping visiting commercial representatives of UK firms or their local agents.
- (e) Departments assist where necessary in the presentation to foreign countries of British equipment.
- (f) Every facility is offered to foreign visitors and missions, and every effort is made (frequently by Ministers) to influence them in favour of buying British equipment.
All the facilities provided are kept under constant review to ensure that they are adequate in assisting British firms to meet competition from abroad.
§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Aviation what is the present policy of Her Majesty's Government in relation to the sale of aero-space projects in South Africa; and under what circumstances orders may be fulfilled.
§ Mr. MulleyHer Majesty's Government is anxious to increase the sale to South Africa of all products of the British aerospace industry except military items which are the subject of an arms embargo, as announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in the House on 17th November, 1964.