Plans for a new code of practice to raise standards of product support for UK aerospace industry exports, which comprise 70% of overall output, were disclosed here Monday by Minister of Defense Procurement Lord Gilbert, Head of Defense Export Sales Sir Charles Masefield, and Rolls-Royce chairman Sir Ralph Robins, who also chairs the Defense Industry Committee.

Lord Gilbert said that manufacturers had a heavy responsibility to their civil and military customers to maintain the highest possible support standards, which Sir Charles considered was the only real way to achieve customer loyalty and follow-on orders.

Among the main points for consideration for the new code, which was evolved under the direction of Sir Charles with representatives from British Aerospace, GKN Westland, Rolls-Royce, GEC-Marconi, Smiths Industries and the Defense Manufacturers Association, were performance standards to match or exceed those in the U.S. and elsewhere, quality of service, meeting promised time-scales, and quick response to customer needs.

Examples of resultant requirements quoted by Sir Charles included: providing a 365-day, 24-hour availability for communications contacts for customers to their suppliers, with same-day response; delivering 99% of high-turnover spares and components within two weeks of order; and delivering medium-turnover components within 60 days. Industry will also provide a plan to resolve any product problems within two days of notification.

Rolls' Sir Ralph said that the new code of practice is expected to have a profound effect on customers and sales, and would help ensure consistency throughout the export field. A draft of the code produced in March is now being finalized, and is to be up and running by November.

By John Fricker