§ Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the value of defence contracts placed in Northern Ireland during the last 12 months; and how this compared with the previous year.
§ Mr. John MorrisThe figures are as follows: 1968, £3 million, 1969, £4 million. These figures include contracts placed by the Ministry of Technology on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.
§ Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has formed of the value of defence contracts to be placed in Northern Ireland in the next 12 months; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MorrisAfter taking into account the preference accorded by development area schemes, it is Government policy to place contracts on the basis of the most favourable terms available. The number of orders which will go to firms in Northern Ireland cannot therefore be estimated as it will depend on their competitiveness, although they will, of course, be afforded every opportunity to bid for suitable requirements.