§ 10. Mr. Maginnisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has received an invitation to attend the inauguration of the next President of Brazil.
§ Mr. RentonAs far as I am aware, the Government of Brazil have not yet issued any such invitations.
§ Mr. MaginnisIn view of the recently established link between the aircraft builders Shorts of Belfast and Embraer of Brazil, will the Government let the new Brazilian Government know that the United Kingdom will encourage such economic co-operation between our countries?
§ Mr. RentonI appreciate the hon. Gentleman's interest in the matter. The position as regards the new trainer is as follows. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has invited Shorts and British Aerospace to submit best and final offers by 24 January. I understand that Hunting and Westland also intend to submit revised tenders by then. In addition, the option of refurbishing the Jet Provost has been kept open. Every relevant consideration, including foreign policy factors where appropriate, will be carefully assessed before a final decision is made.