§ Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce his decision on the award of a contract for the new basic trainer for the Royal Air Force.
§ Mr. ButlerAs I stated in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Wilkinson) on 18 December at column135, British Aerospace and Shorts have now been invited to submit the best and final offers. Hunting Firecracker Aircraft and AAC-Westlands have subsequently indicated that they wish to submit revised bids and I have agreed that their 458W proposals will be considered. It is expected that, after evaluation of the new offers, a final decision will be made in the spring.