Sea King Helicopter (Hansard, 29 March 1983)

§ 9. Mr. Conlan
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in his consideration of a possible successor for the Sea King helicopter.

§ Mr. Pattie
Joint definition studies of the Anglo-Italian EH 101 anti-submarine warfare helicopter are complete. Industry foresees good sales prospects for commercial versions of EH 101, and we plan to move ahead with a fully integrated naval and commercial programme. Detailed arrangements are now being finalised and it is hoped to launch full development this summer.

§ Mr. Conlan
I welcome that reply, but will the Minister ensure that the defence proportion of the development costs are made available to Westlands as they are required? Does he recognise that failure to do so will make the British forces dependent upon American equipment, which will have a severe effect upon the balance of purchases of defence equipment between the two countries?

§ Mr. Pattie
I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that the Ministry of Defence is one of the six active partners in this project. The first requirement is for the number of aircraft that would be required for the Royal Navy, so there is no question of a purchase from the United States.

§ Mr. Peyton
While I welcome my hon. Friend's reply on this important project, which is of great significance to my constituents, may I ask what progress is being made by the Italian Government in their handling of this matter?

§ Mr. Pattie
The Italian Government are taking through their Parliament a law that will provide the necessary funds for the Italian Ministry of Defence contribution, the contributions of Italian industry and the Italian Department of Industry having already been secured.

§ Mr. Jim Spicer
As someone with an equal constituency interest in the success of the Sea King, may I ask whether my hon. Friend accepts that we all know that we have a winner? Even if the Italian Government are, to say the least, tardy in completing their part, will my hon. Friend give an assurance that the Government accept that they have a winner and that they will go ahead with it, whatever the cost?

§ Mr. Pattie
I welcome my hon. Friend's enthusiasm for the project, which of course I share. We have no reason to doubt the commitment of the Italian Government to the project. Both Governments foresee a market, on both the military and the civil side, for several hundred units.