HC Deb 18 December 1967 vol 756 c310W
92. Mr. James Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what he estimates to be the total net savings in foreign exchange of the immediate cancellation of the contract for the purchase of 50 F111K aircraft from the United States of America.

Mr. Healey:

We do not propose to cancel this aircraft. In any event there would doubtless be heavy cancellation charges and substantial loss of offset sales.

93. Mr. James Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence in view of the failure of the F111K aircraft to meet its original specifications, if he will cancel the contract for the purchase of 50 F111K aircraft, instead of attempting to negotiate a new £50 million offset agreement with the United States Government to balance the increase in cost caused by devaluation.

Mr. Healey:

No. As regards performance, I would remind the hon. Member of the Answer I gave to him on 13th December.—[Vol. 756, c. 129–130.]