§ 34. Mr. David EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many firms are now on the defence contractors' list; how many of these are small firms; and what were the comparable figures for 1986.
§ Mr. SainsburyThe number of companies currently on the defence contractors list is approximately 9,800. The comparable figure for 1986 was some 8,100. Information on the number of small firms within these figures is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
§ 94. Mr. Robert BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy on the transfer to foreign ownership of those parts of companies engaged in activities affecting national security.
§ Mr. SainsburyChanges in the ownership of a defence contractor are considered by the Department on a case-by-case basis. Part of the MOD's consideration includes national security issues. The MOD is able to make certain specific provisions in respect of United Kingdom companies in foreign ownership where it is necessary to restrict access to classified equipment or information.