§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance his Department is giving to British Aerospace in connection with its bid to sell Hawk aircraft to India. [95055]
§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 2 November 1999]: British Aerospace has been offering Hawk aircraft for sale to the Indian Government for a number of years, in response to 551W an Indian Air Force requirement for an advanced jet training aircraft. During this period, the Company has received Government advice and support, co-ordinated by the Defence Export Services Organisation in the Ministry of Defence, whose role it is to provide such assistance to UK industry in accordance with the Government's policy on defence exports.