§ Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Aviation (1) what production orders for British military aircraft have been placed since October, 1964;
(2) what holding contracts, and for what military aircraft, have been placed or renewed with British aircraft manufacturers since October, 1964;
(3) what holding contracts placed with British aircraft manufacturers and subcontractors for military aircraft and components have not been renewed since October, 1964.
§ Mr. MulleyProduction contracts have been placed with Hawker Siddeley Aviation for further orders of Buccaneer Mk. 2 aircraft and for work on tooling for the P.1127 (R.A.F.); as regards the maritime reconnaissance Comet (HS 801) I would ask the hon. Member to await the reply to be given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 2nd February in reply to a question from the hon. Member for Bournemouth, West. Production contracts have also been placed with Westland Aircraft for further orders of Sioux, Scout, Wasp, and Wessex Mk. 2 and Mk. 5 helicopters. In addition orders have been placed with the U.S. Government for the production of Phantom and C.130 aircraft in the U.S.A.
205WOnly one holding contract, in the strict sense of the term, has been placed since October, 1964, namely for the possible further development of the Buccaneer Mark 2. Other contracts for military aircraft, short of full development, have been placed for the P.1127, HS.801 and the two Anglo-French projects.
Contracts and sub-contracts for work on the P.1154 and HS.681 short of full development, have been cancelled since October, 1964.