§ 21. Mr. Wilkinsonasked the Minister of State for Defence what steps he is taking 626 to ensure that the new jet trainer for the Royal Air Force will have overseas sales potential.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourIn making their proposals to meet this requirement, the British Aircraft Corporation and Hawker Siddeley Aviation were asked to take account of export prospects.
§ Mr. WilkinsonIs my hon. Friend aware that that is welcome news, because too often in the past aircraft manufacturers have had slavishly to follow the operational requirement of the Royal Air Force and valuable overseas sales potential is lost? In this case there could well be a very susbtantial market indeed. Therefore, will my hon. Friend ensure that this aeroplane has both an effective weapons capability and a range of alternate engine fits which will make it an attractive proposition for overseas buyers?
§ Mr. GilmourThe importance of exports is recognised. Export potential is only one of many factors which must be considered in reaching a decision on equipment for the Royal Air Force.
§ Mr. George ThomsonOn the question of overseas arms sales, when Mr. Botha, the Defence Secretary of South Africa, visited the Secretary of State for Defence recently, did he show any interest in jet trainers? In which other arms did he show interest?
§ Mr. GilmourThat is a totally different question.