§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria he proposes to use in determining the extent to which (a) the proposed United Technologies holding in Westland and (b) the increased holding on which an option exists are consistent with Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the existence of dominant or controlling foreign interests in strategically important United Kingdom companies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrittanThe Government have always made it clear that it is for Westland as a private sector company, to decide the best route to follow to secure its future and that of its employees. The board of Westland's proposals to shareholders no longer involve an option for United Technologies to acquire additional shares beyond the 29.9 per cent. that would be held by United Technologies and Fiat.
1972 1979 Latest available United Kingdom 207,500 204,381 217,891(1983) France 108,525 106,297 127,269(1983) Germany 52,455 60,886 65,677(1983) Italy 28,500 36,570 40,920(1981) Source: "The European Aerospace Industry Trading Position and Figures"—European Commission Staff Working Paper. 11 January 1984. Figures for 1970 are not available.
It is not possible to provide the information requested about companies return on capital employed on a consistent basis without excessive cost.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he was consulted by Lloyds Merchant Bank before it offered 300,000 man hours of work to the Westland company in its document dated 27 December in respect of the ordering of six additional Sea King helicopters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrittanNo.