§ 24. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the balance of the purchase of arms and equipment by the United Kingdom from the United States of America and vice versa; and what proposals he has for redressing the imbalance.
§ Dr. GilbertThe balance of trade for the period between January 1976 and September 1978 is about 4:1 in favour of the United States. Comparable detailed figures for earlier years are not available but we have consistently taken the view that, apart from the early 1970s when the Harrier was being supplied to 457W the US Marine Corps, the balance has been very much in favour of the United States for some time.
We are seeking to improve the position by encouraging and giving support to United Kingdom industry in its attempts to compete for United States defence orders under the terms of the 1975 UK—US memorandum of understanding.