RAF Basic Trainer

Oral Answers to Questions — Defence – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 26 February 1985.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr Roy Beggs Mr Roy Beggs , East Antrim 12:00, 26 February 1985

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has made any changes in the specifications for the Royal Air Force basic trainer.

Photo of Mr Roy Beggs Mr Roy Beggs , East Antrim

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that in December his colleague the Minister of State for Defence Procurement selected the Short's Tucano and the PC-9 for best and final offers because both met the specifications?

Photo of Mr John Lee Mr John Lee , Pendle

I certainly can confirm that.

Photo of Mr John Wilkinson Mr John Wilkinson , Ruislip - Northwood

Will my hon. Friend, in making the selection with his right hon. Friends, place a high priority on the degree to which each of the contenders approaches the specifications set by the RAF? Which one came best in the evaluation at the aeroplance and armament experimental establishment at Boscombe Down?

Photo of Mr John Lee Mr John Lee , Pendle

I can give my hon. Friend an assurance on the first part of his question, but I am not prepared to be drawn on the second.