§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for Defence what missile systems are currently employed for naval and Army helicopters, respectively; and whether he will seek to ensure a standardisation on the basis of British-made systems.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe missile systems currently employed for naval and Army helicopters respectively are the French AS12 and SS11. The latter is also used by the Navy in support of Marines. We seek to standardise wherever possible but the Army and naval requirements differ. It is our policy to place orders with British firms unless there is some overriding operational or economic advantage in making a particular purchase overseas.
§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with missile systems employed by the Navy in the light of the experience of the recent Middle East war.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe Navy has a range of modern missiles well suited to its needs. As regards experience of the recent Middle East war, I would refer to my right hon. Friend's reply of 3rd April 1974 to my hon. Friend the Member for Ilkeston (Mr. Fletcher).—[Vol. 871,c. 390.]