The Tory government flew into a political storm Tuesday as Opposition parties and a jilted defence contractor complained the purchase of new military cargo planes is proceeding with little regard for taxpayer dollars.

A European aircraft-maker, Airbus Military, made an unusual public plea for the Defence Department to look at the firm's military transport planes, saying the purchase of the A-400M would save the government $3 billion.

Company vice-president Richard Thompson says overtures to defence officials have been met with the cold shoulder even as the government denies reports it has already made up its mind to award contracts to U.S. defence suppliers.

"We have had opportunities to talk to . . . shall we say decision-makers within (National Defence), and we have felt all along that our message has not been heard or listened to," said Thompson.

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