§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress is being made in the selection of British contractors for work on the Trident programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieBritish contractors have been selected in a number of major areas of the United Kingdom Trident programme, including the design and development of the submarine and certain major equipment and weapons systems. Further selections will be made as the long-term programme proceeds. In addition, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence told the House on 11 March 1982—[Vol. 19, c. 975]—United Kingdom firms are being given the opportunity to compete on equal terms with their United States counterparts for subcontracts for weapon system components over the Trident programme as a whole. Following a presentation by a United States team to United Kingdom industry on 14 May, work is in hand to agree procedures to permit British firms ease of access to the United States prime contractors and a guide for potential sub-contractors is soon to be issued. In addition a joint United Kingdom-United States liaison office to assist United Kingdom firms has been set up in the Ministry of Defence. The major trade associations and all firms who have indicated an interest are being kept informed of progress.