HC Deb 15 May 1968 vol 764 c252W
Mr. Marples

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is now able to give the estimated cost to Government funds of the proposed radar research station at Orfordness.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

In order to meet the wishes of the local authorities we have decided to change our plans for transporation of materials to the site, and fresh tenders are to be invited for the construction work. I am unable to give a firm estimate at this stage.

Mr. Marples

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he took to alert the British electronics industry to the requirements of the American Government for equipment in the Anglo-American radar establishment at Orfordness.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

None, because U.S. industry had already carried out research and development work on this type of equipment for the U.S. Government.

As I said in reply to the hon. Member for St. Albans (Mr. Goodhew) on 29th February, 1968, the radio equipment for this research station is being provided and paid for by the United States Government.—[Vol. 759, c. 408–9.]