§ 28. Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Technology whether he will publish a White Paper on the experience to date of Anglo-European co-operation in aircraft manufacture.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuMainly because of the need to preserve military and commercial confidentiality, I do not think it would be helpful to publish a paper. If, however, bearing in mind these 1354 limits, the hon. Member has any specific points on which he desires information, I should be very ready to consider them, and, where possible, to provide the House with the answers.
§ Mr. OnslowI had hoped that the Minister might go slightly further. Is he satisfied that there are no Anglo-European projects in which additional costs have not proved excessive, or where the surrender of design leadership on the British side has not been very damaging to our future capabilities?
§ Mr. MallalieuWe have not reached the point of full-scale production on any major project, so it is very difficult to say how they are going. However, I would expect to find some increase in total costs because of collaboration, but to find the share of each country substantially lower.
§ Mr. DalyellIs not the truth that the best form of Anglo-European co-operation is in marketing? Will my right hon. and hon. Friends do their best to persuade the Europeans of the merits of the Harrier?
§ Mr. MallalieuI will persuade anybody of the merits of the Harrier at any time of the day or night. I am sure that marketing is an essential part of collaboration.