HC Deb 12 June 1968 vol 766 cc226-7
30. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he proposes to place an order for a prototype or prototypes of an advanced combat aircraft to fill the gap left by the cancellation of the TSR2, the Anglo-French variable geometry and the F111 aircraft.

41. Mr. Corfield

asked the Secretary of State for Defence with which other European Governments Her Majesty's Government are currently consulting with a view to joint development of an advanced combat variable geometry aircraft; what is the current position; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Morris

We are taking part in initial discussions now being held with officials of the German, Dutch, Belgian, Italian and Canadian Ministries of Defence with the aim of establishing a basis for joint development and production of an advanced combat aircraft for the later 70's. These have not yet reached a stage which would enable me to add anything to the answer given to the hon. Member for St. Albans (Mr. Goodhew) by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 1st May, 1968.—[Vol. 763, c. 1094.]

Mr. Goodhew

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that so much work has been done on previous proposed aircraft that these prototypes could be produced for a reasonable amount of money? Will he bear in mind that the interest of these foreign Governments is in getting the aircraft early and that it is vital for our export orders that we should be quick off the mark?

Mr. Morris

I am aware that a great deal of work has been done in the past, certainly on operational requirements, but I would not agree that only a limited amount of money is involved. A great amount of money is at stake. All these things, such as operational requirements and management of projects, have to be hammered out in detail.

Mr. Paget

Why do not we co-operate with the Americans in producing an aircraft which has some reasonable prospect of coming into existence?

Sir Ian Orr-Ewing

Whereas it may be desirable to have the co-operation of five other nations, does not the hon. Gentleman agree that the more nations co-operating the slower the progress of the project? Would it not be wise in this instance to leave Britain as the prime contractor to carry on with the development and production of this aircraft and leave other nations to buy it from us and to cooperate with us?

Mr. Morris

The hon. Gentleman has posed only some of the difficulties. Where-ever a number of collaborators are involved, operational requirements differ and the needs and capacities of their industries vary. These and other matters have to be examined before a conclusion is reached. We are looking actively at all the prospects of getting the kind of equipment needed in the necessary time scale.

Mr. Corfield

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the British aircraft industry is the only one in Europe capable of manufacturing the whole range of airframes, air engines and components, that it has done a great deal of work on this aircraft and that therefore the collaboration of all these other countries, valuable as it may be, may well be bought at too dear a price?

Mr. Morris

I am aware of that point. With all the other factors, it is kept in mind when discussions take place. On the other hand, there is advantage in looking at the prospect of getting wider sales both here and abroad. Naturally, in these discussions, other countries want to put forward their own interests both in operational requirements and in their individual capabilities.