HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 c283W
Mr. Murphy

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now make a statement on the outcome of his Department's evaluation of the BAe 146 as a possible aircraft for the Queen's Flight.

Mr. Pattie

[pursuant to his reply, 29 June 1984, c. 555]: In 1983, two early models of British Aerospace 146–100 aircraft were bought for evaluation of the type by the Royal Air Force as replacement aircraft for Andovers of The Queen's Flight. In the light of this evaluation we are, with Her Majesty's approval, proceeding with the purchase of two new aircraft to full production standard, modified as necessary, for use in The Queen's Flight. After their introduction one Andover will be retained to provide operational flexibility.