HC Deb 28 June 1988 vol 136 cc218-9W
48. Mr. Eastham

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department is proposing to initiate any studies into the possibilities for the conversion of military industry to civilian production to offset any fall in employment in the arms export industry.

54. Mr. John Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department is proposing to initiate any studies into the possibilities for the conversion of military industry to civilian production to offset any fall in employment in the arms export industry.

104. Mr. Galloway

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department is proposing to initiate any studies into the possibilities for the conversion of military industry to civilian production to offset any fall in employment in the arms export industry.

Mr. Sainsbury

No. Fluctuations in employment in the defence industry are a commercial matter for the companies concerned. But, as this year's "Statement on the Defence Estimates" says, the general upward trend of United Kingdom defence exports has continued, and contracts signed in 1987 are expected to reach £3.5 billion, a sign of the competitiveness of United Kingdom industry in world markets.