§ Q5. Mr. Lathamasked the Prime Minister what recent representations she has received regarding the Government's policy of buying British for de fence equipment; and what action she has taken in that regard.
§ The Prime MinisterI have received a number of such representations in recent months.
It is already the policy and practice of the Ministry of Defence to buy weapons and equipment in this country wherever it is sensible and practicable to do so. Currently about 90 per cent. of Ministry of Defence equipment expenditure is placed with British industry, either directly or through our share of collaborative programmes.