§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 7 December,Official Report, column 176, how many contracts he currently has with Ferranti International.
§ Mr. HanleyOur records show about 500 current contracts with Ferranti International. On many of these, however, work is complete and they remain open only pending final settlement.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 7 December,Official Report, column 177, what assessment he has made of the impact of the immediate termination of all contracts with Ferranti International on the operational effectiveness of (a) the Royal Navy, (b) the Royal Air Force and (c) the Army; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyThe receivers of Ferranti International are continuing to trade, and my Department is co-operating 909W with them to minimise any disruption to MOD contracts. The question of the immediate termination of all contracts does not arise in the present circumstances.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 7 December,Official Report, column 177, what discussions he has had with his NATO counterparts relating to the future of Ferranti International.
§ Mr. HanleyMy right hon. and learned Friend has had no such discussions.
§ Sir Thomas ArnoldTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of outstanding commitments to Ferranti.
§ Mr. HanleyMy Department has a large number of contracts with Ferranti International, and defence procurement officials have been discussing with the receivers how the outstanding business can be completed with the minimum of disruption.