§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with the Indian Government concerning the BAE Systems bid to supply Hawk jets; and what is the value of the BAE bid. [1307]
§ Dr. MoonieI have been asked to reply.
The Ministry of Defence and the Department of Trade and Industry have been supportive of BAE Systems' bid to supply Hawk to India. Visits have been made by Government Ministers from both MOD and DTI during the past 18 months. These visits have provided valuable opportunities to assure the Indian Government of HMG's support for a greater co-operation between UK and Indian defence companies, including on the BAE Systems Hawk proposal.
The value of the bid is a matter between BAE Systems and the Indian Government.