§ Mr. Merlyn Reesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many Skyvan aircraft have been authorised by his Department to be built by Shorts of Belfast; how many have been built; how many more are to be authorised; and when authorisation is to be given for the development of a stretched version of this aircraft.
§ Mr. OnslowIt would be contrary to the company's interests for me to disclose details of the numbers of aircraft authorised. 74 have been completed. The proposal for a stretched Skyvan is still in the study phase.
§ Mr. Merlyn Reesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had, and with whom, concerning the sale of Skyvan aircraft produced in Belfast for the armed services.
§ Mr. OnslowThe purchase of aircraft for our own armed services is a matter for my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Defence. The company has sold some 20 military versions of the Skyvan to foreign forces.
§ Mr. Merlyn Reesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many Skyvan aircraft made in Belfast have been purchased by concerns in Eire.
§ Mr. OnslowNone.