Written question asked by Keith Simpson (Conservative) on Thursday, 24 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 March 2005. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 3 March 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of whether the proposed restructuring of BAE Systems and Finmeccanica may lead to the loss of key technologies and classified information from the UK. - (Holding answer 1 March 2005).

Answer: Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of whether the proposed restructuring of BAE Systems and Finmeccanica may lead to the loss of key technologies and classified information from the UK. [218935] Mr. Ingram: [holding answer 1 March 2005]: BAE Systems and Finmeccanica's proposed restructuring of their communications, avionics and system integration businesses (Eurosystems) is currently being considered by the Regulator (Office of Fair Trading (OFT)). The Ministry of Defence's submission on the proposed restructuring has been passed to the OFT. The submission seeks to ensure that our national security interests are protected as a result of the restructuring.

Secondary information