§ Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the types and numbers of enterprises to which his Department is at present offering financial assistance in order to facilitate the development of weapons systems for Her Majesty's forces.
§ Mr. PattieThe Ministry of Defence's central contracts branches place some 30,000 to 40,000 new contracts each year, involving some 10,000 firms, covering all phases of procurement from initial studies and research to development, production and post design services. All contracts are placed on the basis of value for money to the MOD. Sponsorship of, and any concomitant financial assistance to industry, including the MOD's defence equipment suppliers, is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.