HC Deb 13 July 1955 vol 543 c1907
9. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will make a statement about the Soviet military helicopters recently displayed.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon, North (Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing) on 6th July.

Mr. Hughes

But is not the Minister aware that that reply did not apply to helicopters? Does he not know that the Soviet Air Force recently displayed helicopters capable of carrying fifty people? Is he not further aware that these are exactly the kind of helicopters that are wanted on the West Coast of Scotland? How does he explain the fact that Soviet Communism seems to be very much more efficient than British capitalism in producing them, and does he not think that it would be a good thing to exchange Scottish herrings for Soviet helicopters?

Mr. Lloyd

If there is any possibility of the hon. Gentleman being able to arrange that deal, I certainly think it could be considered.