§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Trade, in the light of the suitability of the Hovercraft for transportation purposes in China, what steps he is pursuing to encourage that nation to take an active interest in this product of British technology.
§ Mr. John SmithWe are seeking an invitation for our hovercraft interests to visit China to explain what they can offer.
§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Trade what other British products are being offered to the Chinese Government as part of the package deal connected with the sale of the Harrier jump jet.
§ Mr. John SmithA number of United Kingdom companies are currently negotiating, with the support of Her Majesty's Government, for contracts in China in a very wide range of industrial sectors including steel manufacturing plant, coal and coalmining equipment, power generating plant, mineral development, shipbuilding, railways and computers. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State210W for Industry will be actively pursuing these negotiations during his forthcoming visit to China.
§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what active steps his Department is taking to interest the Chinese Government in the purchase of British designed light aircraft and, in particular, the Britten/Norman Islander;
(2) in the proposed package deal with the Chinese over the purchase of the Harrier jump jet, what consideration has been given to the inclusion of hovercraft and light aircraft.
§ Mr. John SmithDiscussions with the Chinese about the possible expansion of our trade with them have covered a wide range of industries primarily in response to the interest expressed by the Chinese. If appropriate, I shall certainly take the opportunity in any renewed discussions to continue to stress the capabilities of the whole United Kingdom aircraft industry, including light aircraft and hovercraft.