TNAG-0538-FCO40-633-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 187

CONFIDENT IAL

3RD DRAFT

55.

56.

Studies are being carried out, on behalf of the Department of

Industry, to examine whether large-scale operations of supersonic

aircraft in the stratosphere are likely to affect the environment.

Collaboration on meteorological satellite projects continues.

British-designed instruments to measure stratospheric temperatures

are now being built in the United Kingdom for inclusion in the

United States TIROS-N satellite due to be launched in 1977. European Space Research Organisation is also being given scientific

and technical advice concerning the European meteorological geo-

stationary satellite (METEOSAT) to be launched in the same year.

57.

SALES

The

Exports of defence equipment continue to make a valuable

contribution to national exports. Overseas sales of defence equip-

ment cover a wide range of items produced both by the private sector

The Defence Sales of industry and by the Royal Ordnance Factories.

organisation has continued to provide support, assistance and advice to industry and exports are expected to reach the value of £560

million in 1975-76.

COSTS AND MANPOWER

58. The costs of support functions, and the Service and civilian

manpower strengths engaged in them, are shown at Annex

VI-18

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