HC Deb 31 March 1977 vol 929 cc222-3W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what recent representations have been made to his Department about the future of the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod AEW project; and what replies he has sent.

Mr. Les Huckfield

My Department has received a large number of representations over the past few weeks from hon. Members and from trade unions, employees of the aircraft industry, local government authorities and trade associations about the future of the Nimrod AEW project. My right hon. Friend and his colleagues have explained in reply that this is primarily a matter for the Ministry of Defence in the context of Her Majesty's Government's policies towards NATO; but that industrial implications will be taken fully into account before a final decision is reached on this matter.