Panavia (Air Show)

HC Deb 27 July 1983 vol 46 cc463-4W

Mr. Robert Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any facilities for air-to-air refuelling have been offered by the Royal Air Force to Panavia for the exhibition of two Tornado aircraft at the Japanese international aerospace show between 29 October and 6 November 1983.

Mr. Pattie

An air-to-air refuelling facility was considered as a means of transporting two Tornado aircraft to the Japanese international aerospace show. However, in view of the pressure that this would exert upon its limited resources, the RAF was unable to assist.

Mr. Robert Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any assistance has been offered by his Department to Panavia to allow it to exhibit two Tornado aircraft at the Japanese international aerospace show between 29 October and 6 November 1983.

Mr. Pattie

A request has been received from Panavia to exhibit two Tornado aircraft at the Japanese international aerospace show. The Government have carefully considered this request but has reluctantly decided that the cost and diversion of resources necessary to position Tornado in Japan could not be justified on this occasion.