§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Technology what consideration his Department has given to the effect on the electronics industry and on Ferranti Limited in particular of the decision to purchase 200 Phantom jets with United States radar sets; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuNo suitable British radar system was available from Ferranti or any other United Kingdom company in time for installation in the Phantom aircraft purchased from America for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Ferranti has, however, been given the contract for providing the comprehensive long-term support for the U.S. radar equipment installed in the United Kingdom Phantom aircraft, and facilities have been established for this purpose at the firm's Edinburgh factory at the expense of the Department.
Ferranti has been given every opportunity to compete for available defence electronics work for which it is suited.