HC Deb 19 December 1955 vol 547 cc258-9W
102. Mr. G. Brown

asked the Minister of Supply what consultations he had with the Bristol Aeroplane Company before allowing them to conclude the recent agreement with the Italian Fiat Company; to what extent he was made aware that both the production of Bristol turbojet engines under licence and wide technical collaboration were proposed; and, in view of the extensive communist influence in the Fiat factories, why he gave permission to the Bristol Aeroplane Company to grant this licence.

Mr. Maudling

Her Majesty's Government were fully consulted by the Bristol Aeroplane Company before agreeing to these arrangements to help this important firm of aircraft manufacturers in a friendly and allied country. Where classified information is to be released Her Majesty's Government have received from the Italian Government a satisfactory undertaking about detailed security safeguards.