HC Deb 21 February 1978 vol 944 c554W
37. Mr. Churchill

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether Her Majesty's Government intend placing additional orders for Royal Naval vessels with a view to safeguarding employment in the shipbuilding industries.

Dr. Gilbert

We are conscious of the contribution which defence procurement makes to maintaining employment, but the overriding aim of the Ministry of Defence must be to procure the equipment required by the Services at the right price and time.