§ The Earl of KIMBERLEYasked Her Majesty's Government:
Who was responsible for the purchase by the Metropolitan Police of an American Bell helicopter; when delivery is anticipated and, why an American helicopter was ordered, instead of either the French Aerospatiale Dauphin II, or the Italian Augusta A 109, both of which are EEC aircraft.
§ Lord BELSTEADThe Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District placed the order, with the approval of the Home Office. Delivery is expected early in 1980. The Metropolitan Police selected the Bell 222 because in their view it alone would meet their operational requirement fully.