HC Deb 21 December 1984 vol 70 cc376-7W
Mr. Best

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has received any firm offers or orders for British-made equipment from any potential suppliers of the Royal Air Force's new basic trainer.

Mr. Butler

The four tenders for the future Royal Air Force basic trainer were received from British firms, three of which had made arrangements with foreign companies to manufacture aircraft designed by them. None of the countries involved have made firm orders for British-made equipment which specifically relate to the competition for the new trainer.

Mr. Beggs

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if it has been proposed that the Shorts Tucano basic trainer will be British-built under licence to Royal Air Force requirements rather than an exact replica of a Brazilian aircraft.

Mr. Butler

Yes.

Mr. Beggs

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if the original specifications for the Royal Air Force basic trainer which companies were required to meet remain valid.

Mr. Butler

Yes.