§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures are taken to safeguard matters of national security in United Kingdom subsidiaries of foreign-owned defence companies. [11205]
§ Mr. SpellarEvery defence contractor needing access to information or material marked "confidential" or above requires the appropriate security clearance. A subsidiary of a foreign-owned company must ensure that no foreign national will have access to such information without the approval of my Department. At least 50 per cent. of its UK-resident directors must be UK nationals and the number of foreign nationals transferred from the parent company to work in the UK subsidiary must not be excessive, having regard to all the circumstances. My Department must be satisfied that the arrangements that are made meet UK national security requirements and is assisted in coming to a determination by the Security Service.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what account is taken in procurement decisions of the ultimate ownership of the bidders. [11204]
§ Mr. SpellarThis is one of the many factors which are taken into consideration when procurement decisions are made.