§ Mr. Trippierasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to encourage sales of British warships abroad, following the placing by Saudi Arabia and Qatar of large orders with French shipyards.
§ Mr. SpeedWe are giving active consideration to the design of future warships in order to improve export potential. We also keep under review the assistance which the Ministry of Defence can give with training, support and overseeing services. Valuable export orders have recently been secured for refit work, naval sub-systems and fast patrol boats.