§ Mr. JoplingTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the percentage British input to the proposed C-130J aircraft to replace the Hercules fleet.
§ Mr. AitkenThe C-130J is one of the options being considered as a replacement for the existing RAF Hercules fleet. It is a new development of the Hercules aircraft being designed by Lockheed as a private venture. Several British companies are bidding as sub-contractors and 1 was pleased to hear recently that Dowty would be providing the propellers. However, this is a matter for Lockheed. The percentage of United Kingdom work content is one of the factors to be taken into account when bids are eventually sought.