§ Mr. SoamesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what orders he has placed for new helicopters since 1 January; and what new orders he intends to place between now and the end of the year.
§ Mr. Sainsbury[holding answer 27 May 1988]: A development contract for a light battlefield version of the Lynx helicopter was let in March and, subject to satisfactory resolution of contractual issues, an order for 16 of the type is expected to be placed shortly. Delivery is planned to start at the end of 1990.