§ Mr. StrangTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what estimates have been made of the effect of taking up of the ECR 90 option for the Eurofighter on employment in Scotland's electronics industry;
(2) what assessment he has made of the impact of the adoption of the European radar system on the Scottish economy;
(3) what assessment he has made of the contribution of Ferranti to the Scottish economy.
§ Mr. LangFerranti's Scottish group employs 9,500 and is therefore a major employer making a substantial contribution to the Scottish economy. Turnover in 1986–87 was over £280 million.
My right hon. and learned Friend and I both keep in contact with Ferranti about its efforts to supply the ECR 90 radar for the European fighter aircraft. In addition, Scottish Office officials liaise closely with colleagues in the MOD.
If the ECR 90 is selected in the competition now in progress it will maintain employment within Ferranti's Scottish group well into the next century as work on current contracts, including equipment for the Tornado aircraft, comes to an end. Success would also enable Ferranti to maintain its capability to design radar and other avionic equipment to the most exacting technological standard and to compete effectively in important international markets.
In addition to being important to Ferranti, the adoption of the ECR 90 for Eurofighter should also provide new opportunities for Scottish electronic sub-contractors.