HC Deb 13 November 1968 vol 773 cc380-1
8. Mr. Onslow

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give an undertaking that no more United States parachutes will be bought for use by Service free-fall parachute display teams.

Mr. John Morris

No, Sir.

Mr. Onslow

Is it not extraordinary that, if there is a British operational free-fall parachute developed for Service use, Service display teams should use an American parachute?

Mr. Morris

Existing stocks of these special parachutes have been bought for a number of years and they are sufficient to last several more seasons. Therefore, there is no requirement to purchase any others at this moment.

Mr. Ramsden

I do not think that the Minister has understood the Question. My hon. Friend was asking whether the Government would undertake not to buy any more from the United States; he said nothing about existing stocks.

Mr. Morris

With respect, this matter does not arise, in that, for a number of years, there are sufficient existing stocks of these special parachutes, which have certain advantages for the kind of displays for which they are used. If I might bring some comfort to the right hon. Gentleman, a number of orders have been made recently and are now being delivered for the operational parachutes which are entirely British.