§ 11. Mr. Tebbitasked the Minister of State for Defence when he now expects to announce the choice of the medium-lift helicopter for the Royal Air Force.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Air Force (Mr. Antony Lambton)The question whether to purchase a medium-lift helicopter for the Royal Air Force and, if so, which type, is still under consideration.
§ Mr. TebbitIs my hon. Friend aware that Press speculation is that the choice has been narrowed to only two types and is intensely of the opinion that the Air Force desperately wants this? Is he also aware that there is a good deal of concern, at any rate on these benches, that the purchasing policies for military equipment in recent years have been decidedly soft on making sure that we get "trade-backs" in the purchase of British equipment by the United States?
§ Mr. LambtonWith respect, I do not think that that is a question.