BOWMAN AND THALES

Early day motion 197, tabled 19 July 2001 by Mohammad Sarwar (Labour). Signed by 1 member.

That this House notes that the Ministry of Defence will soon make a decision on the preferred bidder for the new Bowman secure radio and data communications system to be used by our armed forces; urges the Government to take into account the quality and quantity of jobs to be created in the United Kingdom, export prospects and maintenance of competition among UK-based prime contractors when considering the bids; draws attention to the bid from Thales with its potential for job creation in Glasgow, which could utilise skilled people made redundant by Motorola and others; recognises that Thales would carry out 88 per cent. of work on Bowman in high technology and manufacturing across the United Kingdom, strengthening our skills, knowledge and industrial base; and expresses support for Thales and its highly skilled workforce to provide the best equipment in the fastest time at the lowest risk and at best value for money.

Signatures by party: Labour 1.