§ 109. Mr. Websterasked the Minister of Aviation whether, under the agreement with the French Government, he will 326W now publish a list of tenders to be offered to British firms; and when he expects such work to commence.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe hon. Member is presumably referring to the agreement reached with the French Government last month on the VG aircraft and on helicopters. The main contractors have already been identified. Other United Kingdom contractors will be invited to tender for various items at appropriate stages. As regards the second part of the Question, work studies are already under way.
§ 110. Mr. Websterasked the Minister of Aviation what steps are being taken to ensure the development under the agreement with the French Government of an adequate basis for British helicopter production.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe agreement is designed to strengthen the competitive ability of both British and French industry for the foreseeable future. I explained the production plan in the Answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) on 23rd January last—[Vol. 739, c.206–7.]—and as envisaged at present the United Kingdom will have a preponderant share of the overall production.