§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria he used in deciding whether the grant of aid to India to finance the purchase of Westland helicopters represented value for money; what steps he took to satisfy himself that those criteria had been fulfilled; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RaisonI am satisfied that the usual procedures were followed before the decision was reached to offer grant aid to finance the purchase of Westland helicopters for India.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any arrangements have been made or discussed with Westland plc with a view to reducing the cost of the aid project for the supply of helicopters to India by any payment by or on behalf of Westland to the Exchequer, or by any other means; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RaisonIt would not be appropriate to disclose discussions relating to commercial negotiations. However, I can confirm that no such payment has been or will be made.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the aid contracts for the supply of helicopters to India are expected to be signed; who are the parties to the contract; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RaisonThe contract for the supply of helicopters to India will be signed by the Indian Helicopter Corporation and Westland plc. The grant aid agreement providing finance for the purchase of the helicopters will be signed by the Governments of the United Kingdom and India. Both agreements are expected to be signed shortly.