§ 16. Mr. William Rodgersasked the Minister of Aviation Supply what further progress has been made in the multi-rôle combat aircraft development programme; and if he will make a statement on the anticipated total of research and development costs.
§ Mr. CorfieldAs I stated in reply to a similar Question on 20th January, the first major phase of development is now under way on a tripartite basis. I have nothing to add to the Minister of State for Defence's Statement on 22nd July, 1970, concerning the research and development costs.—[Vol. 809, c. 1050. Vol. 804, c. 555–8.]
§ Mr. RodgersThe House will be glad to know that progress is being made and that importance is attached to this programme, but does not the right hon. Gentleman remember that a year ago he was pressing strongly for full publication of the costs involved in the programme, including the United Kingdom's share? Has he now changed his mind about publication, or, if not, can he give the House the figures?
§ Mr. CorfieldThe figure which was given is £250 million for the first phase, up to the first check point. I have no wish to hide anything, but I do not think that I can go further at this point. At present, the first stage is looking ahead to see what happens at the next stage.
§ 21. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Minister of Aviation Supply whether design and management responsibility in the multi-rôle combat aircraft project is in direct relationship to the participating Government's financial investment.
§ Mr. CorfieldYes, Sir.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonCan my right hon. Friend deny a rumour that the West Germans are providing quite a large stake of the share which the Italians are purporting to put up in their 15 per cent. shareholding? If that be true, does it 509 not give the West Germans a leading position in the consortium, with all the attendant benefits?
§ Mr. CorfieldNo, Sir; there is no question of the West Germans procuring for themselves a leading position by a device of that sort.