§ 4. Mr. Robert L. Howarthasked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent he has studied the requirement for the purchase of the Lockheed C5A transport aircraft; and with what result.
§ The Minister of Defence for Equipment (Mr. John Morris)We are still examining the size of transport force we shall need after the date of 1972, when 442 the withdrawals from east of Suez are complete. It is too soon to say whether or not we shall need an aircraft like the C5A.
§ Mr. HowarthDoes not the Russian use of heavy transport aircraft during the invasion of Czechoslovakia last August show the importance of having aircraft which can embark not only men but heavy equipment as well?
§ Mr. MorrisI note that point, but my hon. Friend seems unaware that we have just re-equipped our transport force.
§ Sir Ian Orr-EwingIn any discussions we may have about future United States military aircraft purchases, will the Government ensure that the United States understands that we will not buy any more American aircraft unless this is tied to a firm offset agreement whereby the Americans will buy some British aircraft?
§ Mr. MorrisWe have done very well with offset agreements under my right hon. Friend, and we shall continue to seek to do better than the last Administration.