§ Mr. Juddasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the action being taken by his Department to ensure that all firms, including one whose name has been sent to him, supplying components for the Harrier jet are observing the code of practice laid down by Her Majesty's Government for good industrial relations.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourObservance of the code of practice for good industrial relations is not a condition of Government contracts generally or of contracts for Harrier aircraft in particular. The Ministry of Defence therefore has no special responsibility for ensuring observance of the code by its contractors or their subcontractors. Questions relating to observance of the code are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.
The Harrier contracts do, however, include the standard conditions requiring observance of the Fair Wages Resolution of 1946.