§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the purchase of (a) British made helicopters and (b) helicopters of other manufacture.
§ Mr. Ian StewartFollowing the former Secretary of State's announcement in the House on 1 July 1982, we have placed orders with Westland Helicopters Limited for an additional 11 Sea King helicopters for the Royal Navy, and with Boeing Vertol in the United States for three Chinooks for the Royal Air Force. We expect shortly to order from Westlands three additional Lynx for the Royal Navy. We also plan to order from Boeing Vertol up to five more Chinooks as announced in Cmnd. 8758. The need for further purchases of helicopters is kept under regular review.
§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made by his Department of the Westland 30 helicopter and the proposed EH 101.
§ Mr. Ian StewartWe are currently assessing the suitability of several helicopters, including a military version of the Westland 30, to meet future Royal Air Force requirements. We have also carried out a technical and financial assessment of the Westland 30 on behalf of the Department of Industry in the context of Westland's application for launch aid. So far as the EH101 is concerned, a period of joint project definition has been completed in collaboration with Italy and proposals for the launch of a full development phase of the project are now under consideration by both Governments.