§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with Governments and other organisations associated with the Leeward Islands Air Transport regarding the latest model of the HS748 to replace the existing HS748; if he will name all the parties with whom he has had discusions; if he will verify that the new version of the HS748 is the desired model; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RaisonDuring my visit to the Caribbean earlier this month, I discussed the provision of European development fund financed aircraft to Leeward Islands Air Transport with the Governments of Barbados and Grenada and representatives of the Caribbean economic community and the Caribbean Development Bank. British Government representatives in the Caribbean have also maintained close contacts with LIAT member countries on this question. It is clear that the latter prefer the Super 748. However, the choice of supplier for EDF projects is a matter for determination by the European Commission in consultation with the recipient states.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evaluations have been carried out for replacement aircraft for the Leeward Islands Air Transport; if all the alternative aircraft can safely use all the airports at present used by the Leeward Islands Air Transport; what discussions he has had with the European Economic Community on the replacement aircraft; what alternative aircraft under consideration are superior to, or have a better accident record than the HS748 in both new and old models; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. RaisonIn accordance with the normal procedure for the negotiation of contracts financed under the European development fund, member states of the Community have not been party to negotiations about the supply of new aircraft to Leeward Islands Air Transport. The respective merits of a number of European aircraft were examined during discussions between LIAT and three European aircraft manufacturers at which the European Commission was represented by an independent European consultant.
I have discussed this with the Development Commissioner, M. Pisani. He is well aware that the United Kingdom expects the procurement rules laid down in the Lomé convention to be fully and fairly applied in this case and my officials have been in close contact with Commissioner Pisani's staff. I understand negotiations between the Commission and the recipient states are continuing.