§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Prime Minister if, in her next discussion with the Heads of Government of the European Economic Community, she will insist on a full investigation into the Commission's decision not to support the Governments of the Eastern Caribbean, the Caribbean Development Bank and Leeward Islands Air Transport in their wish to purchase Super 748 aircraft; whether she is satisfied that the Commission's decision in this matter accords with responsibilities under the Lomé convention; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government have asked the European Commission to make public its reasons for rejecting the view of the Leeward Islands Air Transport that the Super 748 offer from British Aerospace best fulfilled the procurement criteria of the Lomé convention. When we receive the Commission's reply we shall consider what further action is required. Meanwhile LIAT is making other arrangements to finance the purchase of the aeroplanes it requires, and we have offered support from the aid and trade provision for the purchase of Super 748s.