Prosser Richard: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeProsser Richard: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 30 January 2014. Volume:696;Page:15698. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]7.RICHARD PROSSER (NZ First) to theMinister of Defence: Is he satisfied with all aspects of the Air Force deal to buy 11 American T-6C aircraft; if so why?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (Minister of Defence): Yes although it is a shame that there was not a tender from a New Zealand company that fulfilled all theRNZAF’s training needs. Over 850 of these state-of-the-art training aircraft are already in service with several countries. It is a proven off-the-shelf solution with a track record for safety and reliability. TheBeechcraft Corporation package incorporates flight simulators and a training curriculum that no other provider was able to match. We have negotiated a very good deal to buy and support these aircraft.Hon Phil Goff: You don’t need a turboprop plane for initial pilot training.Richard Prosser: Supplementary question?Mr SPEAKER: I am just waiting for Mr Goff.Richard Prosser: Why is the Royal New Zealand Air Force purchasing a lead-in trainer for fighter jets when it does not have any fighter jets?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: I know this member is very militant and has previously expressed these views. The fact is this is not a lead-in trainer for fighter jets.Hon Phil Goff: Of course it is.Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: Sorry it is not.Richard Prosser: Does he think it is fair for ordinary New Zealanders that this contract will generate 550 jobs in Wichita Kansas and none in New Zealand?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: As I said it is a real shame that there was not a New Zealand tender or proposal that fulfilled theRNZAF’s requirements. It would have been great to have those jobs here but look we have got to go for value for money and a proven off-the-shelf solution and that is what theBeechcraft proposal actually is.Richard Prosser: Does he believe that purchasing training aircraft from Pacific Aerospace could save taxpayers between $75 million and $125 million over 2 years as claimed by Pacific Aerospace manager Damian Camp; if not why not?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: No I do not believe it because they did not have a simulator they did not have a training package and they did not have an aircraftso we absolutely could not have gone with that proposal. They did not have detailed costings so those figures are pie-in-the-sky figures.Richard Prosser: Is he aware that Pacific Aerospace is able to produce a certified version of its existing CT-4Airtrainer aircraft complete with a turboprop engine and a glass cockpit; if not why not?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: Once again their proposal did not meet theRNZAF’s needs. It is simple.Richard Prosser: Does he believe that a “Buy New Zealand Made” procurement policy for Government agencies would benefit New Zealand businesses and help to create jobs and generate wealth in the economy; if not why not?Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN: No I do not believe it would if it does not meet the requirements of Government agencies and it is not good value for money. It would be craziness.