§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence what help has been given by his Department to British Aerospace for the sale of Lightning aircraft to Austria; and whether the contract has been awarded to British Aerospace.
§ Mr. ButlerThe Ministry of Defence has given British Aerospace all the assistance normally provided to British companies in their efforts to sell equipment overseas. In addition, considerable help has been given to the Company by the British Embassy in Vienna.
I understand that the contract has not yet been awarded but that the Austrian National Defence Council has recommended the purchase of Draken aircraft from Sweden. I further understand that this decision has yet to be ratified by the Austrian Cabinet.