HC Deb 24 July 1991 vol 195 c708W
Mr. Hind

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his decision to award prime contractor status for the Merlin helicopter project.

Mr. Atkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce his decision on the number of launch production EH101 helicopters his Department expects to purchase; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

We are evaluating two bids for the Prime contract to complete development of the EH101 Merlin helicopter and to produce the first batch of aircraft for the Royal Navy. We aim to reach a decision as soon as possible.