HC Deb 08 February 1977 vol 925 cc659-60W
Mr. Churchill

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those Government research establishments currently, or previously, engaged in assisting United Kingdom-based contractors and sub-contractors in connection with work on components for the Kugnetsov NK-144 engine which powers both the TU-144 Concordski and the Backfire supersonic nuclear strike bomber.

Dr. Gilbert

Although, as is often the case, certain components involved in systems of this sort may have their origin in development work undertaken by MOD research and development establishments, no direct assistance has been given by any of them on the systems in question. The contract is subject to Government approval, and as usual in such cases approval will not be given unless we are satisfied that there are no strategic objections.

Mr. Churchill

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the United Kingdom-based firms having contracts with agencies of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Government to provide components for the Kugnetsov NK-144 engine which powers both the TU-144 Concordski and the Backfire supersonic nuclear strike bomber.

Mr. Meacher

I have been asked to reply.

I understand that no other United Kingdom companies were party to the contract signed between Lucas Aerospace and the Soviet Agency Licensintorg for the supply of fuel control systems for use in the TU-144 supersonic civil airliners. The contract is subject to Government approval, and as is usual in such cases approval will not be given unless we are satisfied that there are no strategic objections.