§ Mr. Wallasked the Minister of State for Defence (1) how many airframes and engines, and of what manufacture, were to be ordered under the original Anglo-French agreement for the Lynx helicopter; and what is the present relative position;
- (2) how many airframes and engines, and of what manufacture, were to be ordered under the original Anglo-French agreement for the Puma helicopter; and what is the present relative position;
- (3) how many airframes and engines, and of what manufacture, were to be ordered under the original Anglo-French agreement for the Gazelle helicopter; and what is the present relative position.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourIt is not the normal practice to give detailed information of this kind. Since the programmes were launched there have been some changes in the overall numbers likely to be required. Where appropriate, adjustments have been made in the work-sharing arrangements between the two countries.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of State for Defence what he estimates will be the 145W effect on the capability of the Royal Air Force in Germany of the shortage of money for helicopters.
§ Lord LambtonWith greater expenditure the capability of the Royal Air Force in Germany could be increased. But if more money were available for defence, provision of more helicopters for Royal Air Force Germany would not necessarily be the first priority.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of State for Defence how much was spent by his Department on evaluation over a three-year period 1968 to 1971 of Chinook and Sikorsky helicopters.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourThe costs of these evaluations were small.