§ 3. Mr. Cordleasked the Minister of Aviation whether he is aware of the concern amongst the aircraft industry in the United Kingdom at the recent loss of an important Indian contract for helicopter and heavy transport aircraft which was awarded to Russia: and, in view of the difficult situation in which the aircraft industry is placed, what assistance he is giving to it in the development and promotion of its export drive.
§ Mr. RipponI am aware of concern over this matter.
It is my right hon. Friend's constant endeavour to assist the industry's export drive by all the means at his disposal.
§ Mr. CordleDoes my hon. Friend realise that we have lost this contract and a certain amount of good will through inefficiency and failure to seize opportunity? Will he take steps, in consultation with the industry, to see that the failure is not repeated?
§ Mr. RipponAll these negotiations have not yet been concluded, but I would not expect the purchase from Soviet Russia of a number of aircraft to set a pattern. I hope that we shall continue to be the main supplier of aircraft to India.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIs it not a fact that we lost this contract because we could not deliver on the date requested by the Indian Government and also because of cost?
§ Mr. RipponI do not accept that. I imagine that the decision of the Indian Government was dictated by a number 5 of factors, including, for example, the suitability of the aircraft for the particular purposes they had in mind.