HC Deb 11 December 1984 vol 69 cc420-1W
Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy that his choice of the replacement for the Jet Provost is the one which in the opinion of the Royal Air Force is the best choice on technical and operational merit.

Mr. Butler

In reaching a decision on a new trainer aircraft, major considerations will be value for money as well as the ability of the aircraft to meet the technical and operational requirements of the Royal Air Force. Other issues which will be taken into account will include job opportunities in the United Kingdom, overseas sales prospects and international relations.

37. Mr. Randall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received about the choice of a replacement basic trainer aircraft for the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Butler

In October and November my right hon. Friend and I received 24 letters from hon. Members, many of which forwarded correspondence from constituents and interested parties, and six letters from industrialists and trades unionists. In that period, hon. Members also asked seven questions on this subject, and two questions have been answered in another place.