§ Mr. MaplesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons he chose the Grob 115D aircraft in preference to the Slingsby Firefly as the aircraft to be used by University Air Squadron and Air Cadet Experience. [47321]
§ Dr. Reid[holding answer 24 June 1998]: As I said in my announcement on 18 June 1998, Official Report, columns 265–66, the Grob 115D was selected in preference to the Firefly because it offered best value for money. The Grob is better suited to the particular requirements of the University Air Squadrons and Air Cadet Air Experience Flights and is both quieter and cheaper to operate than the Firefly. Furthermore, the Grob was the preferred choice of the Royal Air Force for this task.