Ships (Negotiations with Spain)

HC Deb 07 July 1964 vol 698 c85W

85. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the negotiations with Spain for the supply of frigates.

Mr. Thorneycroft

We have for some time been discussing with the Spanish Government the building of warships of British design in Spain. Until recently it seemed that the negotiations would reach a successful conclusion but I understand that the Spanish Government do not now intend to proceed with them. It is estimated that the agreement would in all have been worth some £11 million to the British economy, £2–3 million for design fees and similar payments and £8–9 million for equipment manufactured in this country for the Spanish Government.