§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 25 April 2002,Official Report, column 429W, on the Czech Republic, whether he discussed the proposed offset deal with the Czech Prime Minister. [58173]
§ The Prime MinisterYes. The Czech Prime Minister did raise the issue of offset arrangements during my visit of 8 April.
§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 25 April 2002,Official Report, column 429W, on the Czech Republic, how many jobs in the United Kingdom would be protected and created if the bid by Gripen International to sell fighter/trainer aircraft to the Czech Air Force goes ahead. [58170]
§ The Prime MinisterIf the contract worth around £250 million to the UK, is successfully completed it will directly benefit the company which will help to secure British jobs and strengthen the British economy. The UK defence industry is highly successful, employing around 180,000 directly and 160,000 in associated industries.