In my experience, I don't see ministers intervening in that way. They normally rely on the CDS's advice and advice from their senior officials. So it clearly wasn't the case here with the C-17s. The government indicated that they were prepared to provide the resources. We were trying to meet strategic airlift demands, and the process evolved as a best-value, performance-driven process.
On February 8th, 2007. See this statement in context.