§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions(a) he and (b) his Ministers have had over the last five years concerning the sale by British Aerospace to India of Hawk 100 aircraft; and if he will make a statement. [18200]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe Indian air force has a requirement for a number of advanced jet trainer aircraft. British Aerospace has offered a variant of the Hawk aircraft to meet that requirement. I discussed this with the Indian authorities during my recent visit. During the last five years, there have been a number of instances when Defence Ministers have had occasion to commend Hawk to the Indians.