asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the supply of defective parts to defence equipment by United States manufacturers, through Westland Helicopters; and if he will convene a meeting of his NATO colleagues to suspend any further dealings with the Aviation Sales Corporation of Los Angeles.

Following allegations concerning the supply of helicopter components by the Aviation Sales Corporation to Westland Helicopters Ltd., the Ministry of Defence's inspection services have carried out intensive investigations in collaboration with the aircraft design contractors concerned. These investigations, which are nearly complete, have not revealed any defective parts. They have shown, however, that some components for the Sioux Helicopter do not fully conform with specification. None of the deviations from specification is of a kind which would affect flight safety, but we intend to examine certain of the components—mainly those which may have inadequate protection against corrosion—to make sure that they will last the remaining life of the aircraft.I do not know of any dealings between Aviation Sales Corporation and any of our NATO allies, apart from the United States.