§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the result of his Department's and the Royal Air Force's discussions with Russian aircraft manufacturers on replacing the RAF's squadrons of(a) Nimrod MR.2 aircraft with the Beriev Be-42 Mermaid, and (b) Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft with the Antonov An-70T; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenThere have been no substantive discussions with Russian aircraft manufacturers. Western firms wishing to offer Russian aircraft have been advised that we are generally prepared to consider competitive bids on their own merits from sources that can demonstrate their ability to meet our technical, financial and other requirements.