London: British Premier Tony Blair on October 13 raised the issue of the long- pending British Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) during talks he had with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

"The issue was mentioned by Blair," External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha told reporters while briefing them on the outcome of the eight-minute talks between the British Premier and Vajpayee but did not elaborate. He said there was no discussion on it.

The one-billion Pound deal to buy 66 Hawks to meet the long-felt demand of the Indian Air Force has been hanging fire for the last 16 years following differences over its pricing.

Defence Minister George Fernandes had recently stated that the Price Fixation Committee of his Ministry had finalised its report on the AJT and was awaiting consideration of the government.

PTI