HC Deb 13 March 1984 vol 56 cc265-6
4. Mr. Willie W. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the proposed modernisation of the Queen's Flight of aircraft; and what is the estimated total cost of this proposal.

Mr. Pattie

I have nothing at present to add to the reply that I gave to the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Mr. Murphy) on 22 February 1984.

Mr. Hamilton

In view of the fact that within the hour the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be demanding further cuts in public expenditure—[HON. MEMBERS: "How do you know?"]—on services such as housing, health and education, does the Minister agree that this sort of extravagance could be cut out without harm or damage to anyone?

Mr. Pattie

No.

Sir Geoffrey Finsberg

Does my hon. Friend accept that many of us feel that the modernisation of these aeroplanes is long overdue, especially as they are seen as examples of British aviation when they go abroad? We would rather have aircraft of the future than museum pieces.

Mr. Pattie

I accept what my hon. Friend says. He will be aware of the plans to which I have referred. We hope that the BAe146 will provide the satisfactory service that is necessary.