§ 15. Mr. de Freitasasked the Minister of Aviation what discussions he has had with Service Ministers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and Commonwealth countries on the sale to them of the Lightning fighter now coming into the Royal Air Force.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)The sale of the Lightning fighter overseas is in the first place a matter for the company concerned, but my right hon. Friend, as well as the former Minister of Supply, has had various discussions with Defence 937 Ministers of allied countries about the possibility of the Lightning meeting their fighter requirements.
§ Mr. de FreitasIs it not a fact that the American Government give far greater support and drive to their aircraft firms when trying to sell machines to our allies? Why cannot we do something as significant as the American firms in pressing the sale of a first-rate fighter like this?
§ Mr. RipponWe do press these sales. Of course, as the hon. Member knows, the Lightning is entirely paid for by the Government. We make facilities available for providing information and advice and by making aircraft available for demonstrations. It is not fair to say that the Government are not doing all they can to promote sales.