§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if there will be a reduction in total aid expenditure in 1985–86 in the event of failure to achieve a sale for Westland helicopters to India; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RaisonI have no plans to reduce total aid expenditure in 1985–86.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Overseas Development Administration intends to buy for sale elsewhere Westland helicopters which cannot be sold to India.
§ Mr. RaisonI have no plans to do so.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much of the 1985–86 aid commitment to India is in respect of the Westland helicopter sales; if failure to achieve the contract for this sale will reduce total United Kingdom aid to India by the amount involved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RaisonAn allocation of £45 million has been made for 1985–86. Discussions with the Government of India about the provision of Westland helicopters are still continuing. There might well be implications for the aid programme to India if the contract were not concluded.