HC Deb 14 July 1977 vol 935 cc242-3W
Mr. Madden

asked the, Secretary of State for Defence what contact, formal or informal, J. Donne Holdings, or its subsidiaries, of 10 Golden Square, London, has had with officials of the Admiralty's Surface Weapons Establishment at Chichester.

Dr. Gilbert

Known contact with the Admiralty Surface Weapons Establishment at Funtington, near Chichester, has been limited to a telephone approach, in about November 1976, by a man claiming to represent J. Donne Holdings. No information was given to the caller, and he was informed that any approach for information should be made in writing through official channels. No such approach has been made.

Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what contracts have taken place between the Admiralty Surface Weapons Establishment at Chichester and J. Donne Holdings; what information was given to the firm; what advertisement the company has placed in the British Defence Sales Catalogue; and what guidance has been received from his Department.

Dr. Gilbert

There have been no contracts between the Admiralty Surface Weapons Establishment at Funtington, near Chichester, and John Donne Holdings. Some months ago a man claiming to represent that firm telephoned an employee of ASWE to make inquiries about optical equipment made for the Establishment. No information was given to the caller, and he was informed that any approach for information should be made in writing through official channels. No such approach has been received.

J. Donne Holdings has placed advertisements in the British defence equipment catalogue for security alarm systems and security filing cabinets. A copy of this publication is available in the House of Commons Library. As part of the defence organisation's normal service to firms, guidance on overseas sales prospects has been given to J. Donne Holdings from time to time, on request, in respect of the equipment they market.

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