§ Mr. StrangTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the long-term military procurement implications of the proposed merger between Thomson CSF and GEC Airborne Radar capabilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe proposed joint venture between GEC-Marconi and Thomson-CSF is being considered by the Director General of Fair Trading. Advice by the MOD to the regulatory authorities is given on a confidential basis and it would be inappropriate for me to comment at this stage.