HC Deb 14 February 1985 vol 73 cc287-8W
Mr. Eastham

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what was the total value of vehicle mechanical parts bought by or on behalf of his Department from Eastern bloc countries between 1980 and 1984;

(2) what was the total value of protective clothing bought by or on behalf of his Department from Eastern bloc countries between 1980 and 1984;

(3) what was the total value of electrical components bought by or on behalf of his Department from Eastern bloc countries between 1980 and 1984;

(4) what was the total value of vehicle tyres bought by or on behalf of his Department from Eastern bloc countries between 1980 and 1984.

Mr. Butler

The Ministry of Defence has no contracts for these items with Eastern bloc countries. However, as I said in my earlier reply to the hon. Member on 11 February 1985, at column 51, some limited purchases of materials and parts may occur at the component level from time to time, but only in circumstances where no problems of strategic dependence are involved.