§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Trade if, in the light of his reply to the hon. Member for Stretford of 8th February, he will confirm that no United Kingdom-based firms, other than Lucas Aerospace, have contracts either signed or pending in connection with the Kuznetsov NK144 engine which powers both the TU144 Concordski and the Backfire supersonic nuclear strike bomber.
§ Mr. MeacherI have been informed that one other United Kingdom-based firm other than Lucas Aerospace is discussing a possible contract with the USSR for equipment to be used with the Kuznetsov NK144 engine. I have not been informed that any other United Kingdom-based firms have signed contracts.