HC Deb 26 October 1979 vol 972 cc354-5W
Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make it a condition of grant aid to Lucas Aerospace Industries that hydromechanical work is directed from Pierburg in Germany to Lucas factories in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Adam Butler

No. This would not be in accordance with our international trading obligations under the GATT and to the EEC. Moreover, the hydromechanical work to which the hon. Member refers is for the Tornado aircraft, and as such is covered by a complex intergovernmental worksharing arrangement between the United Kingdom, West Germany and Italy. Departmental responsibility within the United Kingdom for that arrangement rests with the Ministry of Defence.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will give the total amount of grant assistance given to Lucas Aerospace since the changed rules regarding publication were instituted in 1974.

Mr. David Mitchell

Particulars of individual regional development grant payments are generally regarded as confidential between the Department and the applicant but, since 1 October 1974, details of grant payments in excess of £25,000 have been published quarterly inTrade and Industry. Lucas Aerospace has not appeared in these lists.