HC Deb 15 July 1980 vol 988 cc1221-2
14. Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce a decision about the replacement for the Sea King Helicopter.

Mr. Pattie

Studies to define a replacement for the Sea King Helicopter are continuing. My right hon. Friend does not expect to be in a position to announce a decision for some months.

Mr. Brotherton

I thank my hon. Friend for that non-reply. Can be assure the House that when a decision is taken, it will be in relation to a helicopter which is British-designed and British-built?

Mr. Pattie

I can assure my hon. Friend that I hope that that decision will be on the lines that he suggested. It is obviously important for us to maintain a viable helicopter industry in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Duffy

Does the Minister's non-reply mean that design faults have been encountered? Why cannot the Minister at least say when project definition will be complete? What prospects are there for undertaking full development in collaboration with Italy?

Mr. Pattie

The non-reply to which the hon. Gentleman and my hon. Friend referred simply relates to the fact that the studies are continuing. As the hon. Gentleman will know from his own experience, there comes a time when it is appropriate to make an announcement, but that time has not yet been reached.