§ LORD TREFGARNEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have recently purchased a VC 10 aircraft from British Caledonian Airways; and if so what price was paid for it.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE (LORD CARRINGTON)My Lords, the Ministry of Defence recently bought from Shackleton Aviation Limited a VC 10 aircraft belonging to British Caledonian Airways. It is not the practice to disclose prices paid.
§ LORD SHACKLETONQuite right!
§ LORD TREFGARNEMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that reply; but may I ask what they are going to do with it?
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, there are certain tests and experiments which are to be made as a result of buying the aircraft.
§ LORD SEGALMy Lords, is the noble Lord able to assure the House that the aircraft was really good value for the price paid?
§ LORD CARRINGTONYes, my Lords; there were certain inquiries made about a number of aircraft. This aircraft was the only one that was available and it was bought at a reasonable price.
§ LORD WYNNE-JONESMy Lords, were the vendors equally satisfied, or was there some doubt as to whether the two Front Benches were in agreement?
§ LORD SHACKLETONMy Lords, would the noble Lord confirm that I have no interest whatsoever in Shackleton Aviation Limited?
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, no personal interest; but I hope that the noble Lord has an interest in the research which will emerge.