HC Deb 18 February 1971 vol 811 cc544-5W
91. Dr. David Owen

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he can now state on what terms he is proposing to loan money to Yarrow Limited; and over what period the loan has to be repaid.

Lord Balniel

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry stated on 11th February, the terms and conditions of this loan have not yet been worked out.—[Vol. 811, c. 808–813.]

Dr. David Owen

asked the Minister of State for Defence if, in deciding to lend money to Yarrow Limited, he took into account the difficulties this would create in awarding contracts on the basis of the lowest tender.

Lord Balniel

The existence of this loan would be one of the factors which would be taken into account in assessing future competitive tenders for warship contracts.