§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Prime Minister if she will estimate the effect the contraction of the United Kingdom industrial base has had on the United Kingdom's defence capability.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Armed Forces continue to be able to obtain the equipment they need to sustain the United Kingdom's defence capability. For many years now over 90 per cent. of annual defence equipment expenditure has been with United Kingdom firms, either directly or within collaborative programmes, and this trend is continuing. This domestic demand together with the creditable export performance of many firms means that the United Kingdom defence industry is in a strong position to meet future requirements.