HC Deb 27 March 1981 vol 1 cc442-3W
Mr. Bowen Wells

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he is satisfied with the performance of United Kingdom firms in obtaining contracts for projects financed by the European development fund.

Mr. Parkinson

During 1980 United Kingdom firms secured 17.7 per cent. of the contracts awarded to firms from European Community member States, which is not far short of our contribution of 18.7 per cent. to the fourth European development fund—EDF IV. However, the share of contracts won by British firms under EDF IV as a whole—12.08 per cent. up to 31 December 1980—still falls a long way short of the United Kingdom contribution. As the following table shows, the main weakness still lies in works contracts.

United Kingdom percentage snare of payments made under contracts awarded to firms from European Community member States within EDF IV
Technical Services Supplies Works Total
Up to 31 December 1978 11.98 21.22 3.95 9.07
Up to 31 December 1979 12.32 15.42 6.42 10.22
Up to 31 December 1980 *16.25 17.81 6.77 12.08
*Includes 18.78 per cent, of technical co-operation contracts awarded to United Kingdom consultants.