§ Mr. Bowen Wellsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to ensure that the Rapier missile manufactured by British Aerospace is properly considered by the Japanese procurement agency; and whether he would be prepared to retaliate against Japanese exports to the United Kingdom if it is not.
§ Mr. SpeedEvery opportunity has been taken to stress the advantages of Rapier to the Japanese, and the Government are in touch with the Japanese authorities to seek to ensure that its merits are given proper consideration.