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[Dishevelled Den]

I think it demonstrates, as I've banged on about before, that the current regime really doesn't want any manufacturing in this country.

Quite so, the heart and soul of any nation's economy doesn't seem to figure all too high on the list of priorities here.

[Banjax]

in my view the whole defence industry is a house of cards anyway - completely funded by taxpayer, its almost the perfect socialist industry 

you see we sell all these weapons to the people who want them (despots, dictators, unsavoury regimes) this is fine - i get that, we make weapons that bad people buy - thats completely logical. what happens when BAE supply these countries is they dont pay up!!! they dont pay up because we operate a tax-payer payment guarantee scheme - this means that BAE say to the government - these guys havent paid us, the government then gives them the money!!!! now do you think these despots and dictators know full well this is the case? do you think BAE knows this is the case and, with a nudge and a wink secures contracts? - the bad guys dont pay up (they're the bad guys, remember?) dont worry bad guys - the british axpayer foots the bill, we get the contract and hence the money - you get the shiny new weapons - everyones a winner 


except the taxpayer.....and here was me thinking we were all capitalists.........

How many countries have defaulted on payments, then? Got any links?
 

heres one for starters 

http://www.newstatesman.com/200501010002

[Dishevelled Den]

just to be clear here - you're all condoning bribery and corruption yes?

must make a mental note for future reference 

That's par for the course in the defence industry. 

Shame, because it must be one of the few industries that are actually helping drag us out of the mire at the moment.

Kevin

Agreed Kevin, it has been the SOP when dealing within certain markets and  if we don't play the game - others will

[Dishevelled Den]

heres one for starters 

http://www.newstatesman.com/200501010002

Did that piece say if any country had actually defaulted in payment or have I missed it. :-/

There was a reference to risk cover being available but no apparent details on take-up after a payment default :-/

[Nickbat]

in my view the whole defence industry is a house of cards anyway - completely funded by taxpayer, its almost the perfect socialist industry 

you see we sell all these weapons to the people who want them (despots, dictators, unsavoury regimes) this is fine - i get that, we make weapons that bad people buy - thats completely logical. what happens when BAE supply these countries is they dont pay up!!! they dont pay up because we operate a tax-payer payment guarantee scheme - this means that BAE say to the government - these guys havent paid us, the government then gives them the money!!!! now do you think these despots and dictators know full well this is the case? do you think BAE knows this is the case and, with a nudge and a wink secures contracts? - the bad guys dont pay up (they're the bad guys, remember?) dont worry bad guys - the british axpayer foots the bill, we get the contract and hence the money - you get the shiny new weapons - everyones a winner 


except the taxpayer.....and here was me thinking we were all capitalists.........

How many countries have defaulted on payments, then? Got any links?
 

heres one for starters 

http://www.newstatesman.com/200501010002

I repeat: How many countries have defaulted on payments, then?

As an aside, I have to say that it would be a Really Good Thing if all UK companies who bid for contracts in markets where greasing of palms is the norm, stood up and said "No". Then when they have to fire the workers and close down the factories they would feel very, very, smug.

 

[Banjax]

i'm too gassed to argue but as usual - i'm right and i should rule the country.........

[Vamps]

Greasing Palms in one way or another has been going on for ever in the bulk sales environment, though I think less nowadays.
Not necessarily monitory bribes but even cooperate entertainment..... or the goodies given away, as promotional items, at Christmas.
Has always gone on, even under company orders and I have been out of 'Sales' since 1987

[Ken T]

the UK expects / would like all deals to be on a level playing field. Unfortunately no one else works this way. So British manufacturing get wiped out. This has been happening for decades.

Look at the TV. Its basically controlled by Murdoch's News International. Independant News is getting a pasting because of Sky pushing their news at a very advantageous price. And it appears to me that a lot (the majority ?) of films on freeview are produced by 20th centuary Fox, who are owned by ....

Why did the people in the Monopolies Commision allow News Int. to take over TV transmission ?.  A few promised jobs for the future ?.

However I am guilty of bribery as well.                Since my Belfast job finished back in May, I have been looking for jobs, applying for lots that I can do, well experienced, done before etc, but nothing.
However I responded to an agency and said that I would provide a large bottle of Champagne to the first person to get me a decent job, and it looks as if I got an interview tomorrow 

The practise of sweetners also shows how willing the company is to do business, and hence a measure of how well they will support their product. I say if its good for this country then fine, turn the preverbial blind eye, and sack any clown who tries to object.

Ken