§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what discussions British Caledonian had with his Department before the purchase of the DC10 aircraft; what is the number and size of the contribution of British firms to this aircraft; if he will advise British purchasers of wide-bodied aircraft to consider the British contribution; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if, in the light of the fact that Rolls-Royce engines have been or are to be fitted to Lockheed and Boeing aircraft and that the Douglas Aircraft Company has publicly indicated its willingness to fit Rolls-Royce engines to the DC10 without additional cost to the United Kingdom 793W balance of payments, he will take steps to ensure that no foreign aircraft shall be purchased by British companies without such aircraft having a substantial proportion of British-produced parts; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if, in view of the fact that British Caledonian is intending to purchase DC10 wide-body aircraft which have a very low proportion of British content, he will take steps to prevent purchases which substantially adversely affect the balance of payments without providing any real employment prospects for British work-people; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisI will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.