§ Mr. DevlinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what future plans he has to encourage the allocation of defence work and related employment to the north of England and Scotland.
§ Mr. AitkenThe Ministry of Defence does consider the employment implications when placing contracts, consulting the DTI and other Departments as appropriate. My Department's prime concern, as a customer, must be to obtain the best value for money for the taxpayer. It is for companies to decide where to locate their facilities and where to carry out work arising from contracts, though in so deciding they no doubt take into account the various Government measures to assist industry in particular areas. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry informed the House on 12 May,Official Report, column 801, of the measures being considered to help Tyneside.