§ Mr. D. Footasked the Minister of Aviation when the South African authorities placed an order in this country for six anti-submarine Wasp helicopters; whether these helicopters can be fitted with machine guns, carry light loads of military equipment, act as ground-air liaison machines, and carry out reconnaissance; what is the name of the manufacturers; what is the purchase price; what was the date when permission for the export of these helicopters was granted by Her Majesty's Government; and what were the dates when they were exported.
§ Mr. AmeryThe Wasp helicopter is manufactured by the Westland Aircraft Company. It is designed to carry only naval weapons but in its rearch and rescue rôle can also carry two casualties. It is not designed to carry machine guns and would need substantial development and modification for that purpose. In common with all helicopters it could be used for ground-air liaison and reconnaissance duties. The contract in question was signed in July, 1962. The formal export licences were issued between October, 1963, and January, 1964, and the first four machines were shipped during January, 1964. It is not the policy of Her Majesty's Government to disclose the purchase price of arms orders.