Select Committee on Work and Pensions Minutes of Evidence


Supplementary memorandum submitted by the Scotland Office (SHP 9A)

  In the course of the evidence session on 19 June 2002 John Robertson asked about contacts between BAE Systems and the Scotland Office in relation to export prospects. I am writing to clarify the position since there may have been some misunderstanding on this point.

  I can confirm that there have been recent contacts between BAE SYSTEMS and the Scotland Office in relation to export prospects. These have included briefing provided by BAE SYSTEMS at a meeting with the then Minister of State, George Foulkes and Scotland Office officials in September last. There have also been contacts between my officials and Ian Murray of BAE SYSTEMS Export Shipbuilding at Scotstoun to discuss export opportunities being investigated by BAE. As a result of those contacts the Secretary of State agreed to launch the KDB Jerambak on 22 June in order to assist in promoting the export capabilities of the Clyde yards.

  As I told the Committee we also work closely with the Defence Exports Sales Organisation (DESO) to identify opportunities for promoting export opportunities.

Anne McGuire MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

20 June 2002


 
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