§ Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with(a) industry and (b) ministerial colleagues concerning BAE Systems' bid to supply Her Majesty's Government with Hawk 128 trainer aircraft; and if she will make a statement. [113906]
§ Alan JohnsonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has been kept informed of how discussions with MoD are progressing on the potential supply of Hawk 128 trainer aircraft to the RAF, both by officials and by the senior management of BAE Systems.
The DTI has always seen selection of Hawk for the UK's advanced jet trainer requirement as offering the greatest benefits for the UK's industrial base. But we 715W have also accepted MoD's need to evaluate any proposal carefully and buy an aircraft that meets their needs and offers value for money.