§ 7. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has for replacing Chipmunk aircraft as the initial training aeroplanes of the Royal Air Force.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourWe have decided, subject to satisfactory contractual arrangements, to order Bulldog aircraft to replace the Chipmunk in the University Air Squadrons and certain other rôles.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonMy hon. Friend will know that we all welcome this, and 1523 I think he will agree that it would be unfortunate if the order for 100 Bulldog aircraft were seen purely as an attempt to alleviate unemployment in Scotland, welcome as that is, and if no account were taken of the outstanding characteristics of this exceptional aircraft.
§ Mr. GilmourMy hon. Friend is quite right: it is an outstanding aircraft. We are ordering a good many more than 100, and they will be of real value.