§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to be able to make an announcement on whether he intends to put out to tender bids for the Royal Air Force's new basic flight trainer; and over what time scale.
§ Mr. PattieI am not yet in a position to say. I hope to do so shortly.
§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any definite reciprocal orders of British defence products would follow from the purchase of any of the three foreign-made aircraft which are on the short list of four as a possible new basic flight trainer for the Royal Air Force.
§ Mr. PattieI have nothing to add at present to the answer given to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) on 30 April at column 20.
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§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has decided to improve or refit the Jet Provosts for Royal Air Force training purposes or to invite competition from the four short-listed contenders for a new aircraft; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieA decision on the future of the Jet Provost is expected shortly, the decision on any tendering action will be taken subsequently.