§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what advice his Department received from the Civil Aviation Authority about the extent to which the passenger and cargo section of the tender document issued in respect of the Royal Navy's target-towing contract would require a public transport operation, within the terms of the air navigation orders; and what is his policy towards the letting of such long-term contracts on the basis of foreign-registered aircraft;
(2) if, before letting the Royal Navy target-towing contract, he will take steps to satisfy himself that the chosen contractor meets all Civil Aviation Authority requirements and that in the light of the proposed amendments to the air navigation orders prohibiting the use of foreign-registered aircraft for such United Kingdom-based contracts, there will be no cost to the taxpayer in subsequently transferring to the United Kingdom register any foreign-registered aircraft which may be involved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeMy noble Friend the Minister of State for Defence Support will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.