§ 83. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Minister of Aviation if he is aware that the SC5/15B strategic transport has a substantially larger payload than the United States C130E and that in consequence three Belfast aircraft would be capable of doing the work of five American Hercules aircraft; and whether he will adopt the policy of exclusively buying British aircraft for the services.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsI am aware that the Belfast SC5/15B transport has a substantially larger carrying capacity than the United States C130E and that under certain conditions the Belfast aircraft could carry some two-thirds greater payload. There are, however, many other factors which have to be taken into account in evaluating the two aircraft. On the second part of the Question, it is the Government's policy to buy British equipment for the Services, subject to price, time scale and suitability and to the need by co-operation with our allies in research, development and production to economise in financial and other national resources.