§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what guidelines his Department gives to key British industries on the purchase of high technology products; what assessment he has made of the implications for the United Kingdom aero-engine industry of a decision to place abroad the orders for the new Boeing 747 replacement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieThe major industries in the public sector have expressed their support for the Government's public purchasing initiative. This encourages purchasers, as a matter of enlightened self-interest, to use their purchasing power in a positive way to help develop the design, technology and international competitiveness of their suppliers. It does not lessen the need for suppliers to win business on merit.
My Department is in touch with Rolls-Royce about the engines which it is offering for the Boeing 747 aircraft. British Airways is evaluating the quotations it has received from the major aero-engine manufacturers, and when it has completed its evaluation it will put proposals to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.