§ 27. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Minister of State for Defence what new aircraft are on order for the Army Air Corps.
§ Mr. BlakerThe Gazelle helicopter is now in production, and development of the Lynx helicopter is well advanced.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonI am grateful for that reply. Is my hon. Friend aware that the Army Air Corps would very much like to have a medium-lift helicopter or a Short Skyvan? What consideration has been given to ordering either of those aircraft for the corps?
§ Mr. BlakerIf a medium-lift helicopter were supplied to the British forces, it would be operated by the RAF. We have no immediate plans to buy any of these very expensive aircraft. We have evaluated the Skyvan at the request of Short Brothers, but we have no requirement for it because it is too big for our needs.