§ 22. Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make an announcement on new helicopter orders for the armed forces. [20097]
§ Mr. FreemanMy Department is evaluating tenders to meet the Army's requirement for an attack helicopter. We hope to announce a decision on the purchase of that equipment before the summer recess. We do not expect to make any other announcements on new major helicopter orders in the near future.
§ 28. Mr. DykesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to visit the Eurocopter Helicopter Group in the near future to discuss procurement policy. [20103]
§ Mr. FreemanI shall be visiting Bonn on 19 May and hope to see the Eurocopter Tiger during my visit. My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to visit Eurocopter in the near future to discuss procurement policy.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 26 April,Official Report, columns 586–87, if he will place in the Library a summary of the six reports on the cost and operational effectiveness investment appraisal of the EH101 helicopter. [22330]
§ Mr. FreemanNo summary exists, and one could be prepared only at disproportionate cost. Furthermore, the material on which it would be based is both classified and commercially confidential. It would not be appropriate to place such material in the Library.