HC Deb 03 June 1998 vol 313 cc227-8W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what representations she has received concerning the award of the contract to replace the Bulldog trainer aircraft; [43023]

(2) what assessment she has made of the potential benefits to United Kingdom industry of the contract for the replacement of the MOD's Bulldog trainer aircraft. [43024]

Mr. Battle

The President has received a variety of representations, mainly pressing for the selection of the Slingsby Firefly as the replacement for the Bulldog trainer aircraft. These have contributed to the continuing assessment being made by the Department of the potential impact on the UK aerospace industry of this procurement, which is being discussed with the Ministry of Defence.