§ Mr. ClellandTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what support or assistance his Department has given to the American company General Dynamics in connection with its current tour of Britain.
§ Mr. Douglas Hogg[holding answer 14 December 1989]: In co-operation with the Ministry of Defence, Defence Export Sales Organisation and the Defence Manufacturers Association, my Department assisted General Dynamics Corporation in organising a seminar in London on 5 December 1989.
The objective of the seminar, which was well attended by more than 100 representatives of British companies, was to advise on the best methods of securing business from all General Dynamics' operating divisions, and exploiting the "offset banking" (industrial participation) agreement negotiated by the Ministry of Defence with the company.
§ Mr. ClellandTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last met representatives of the American company General Dynamics; and what was discussed.
§ Mr. Douglas Hogg[holding answer 14 December 1989]: Neither the Secretary of State nor I have met representatives of General Dynamics since we were appointed to the DTI.