HC Deb 25 June 1969 vol 785 c1504
48. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, having regard to the increase in the research and development costs of aircraft, what arrangements he is making for the periodical restatement of the cost of the German-Anglo-Italian swing-wing aircraft.

Mr. John Morris

An International Management Organisation has been set up to control the M.R.C.A. project and keep under review all aspects of the programme, particularly costs, on behalf of participating Governments. A major review of the programme will also be made at the end of each agreed phase, before commitment to the next.

Mr. Jenkins

Is my hon. Friend aware that if the rate of escalation were the same as that of Concorde the net cost for this country alone would not be less than £2,000 million? Will he look again at this project?

Mr. Morris

Certainly I am as anxious as the hon. Gentleman to ensure that adequate control is kept over this project. That is why it is divided into a number of phases, and each phase will be looked at in turn.