HC Deb 25 November 1971 vol 826 cc1525-7
13. Mr. Strang

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the negotiations with Germany and Italy regarding the letting of contracts for the European multi-r ôle combat aircraft.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

In my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Rochester and Chatham (Mrs. Fenner) on 19th November, I gave the position at that time on the selection of avionic equipments for the multi-r ôle combat aircraft. Since then, Elliott Automation Space and Military Systems has also been selected as prime contractor to Panavia for the avionic system integration task, in collaboration with German and Italian firms.

The majority of the selections for general equipment for this aircraft have already been made. The airframe and engine development programmes are proceeding under interim contract arrangements.—[Vol. 826, c. 225.]

Mr. Strang

I welcome the fact that British industry is doing substantially better than was feared a few months ago but does the Minister agree that, in future joint contracts, further measures are required to see that the benefits go more to European than to American technology?

Mr. Gilmour

I agree with what the hon. Gentleman said at the beginning of his supplementary question. In future contracts we shall take everything into consideration. This particular contract was not made by us.

Mr. Brewis

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that a suitable range exists in the United Kingdom for testing the M.R.C.A., bearing in mind the possible employment opportunities that testing this aircraft and its equipment could bring to Scotland?

Mr. Gilmour

We have that very much under consideration, and we shall certainly bear employment considerations in mind.

Mr. Marten

How many of these aircraft are likely to be sold in total?

Mr. Gilmour

Export considerations are too far ahead. The numbers for Germany, Italy and ourselves are at the same levels as before.

21. Mrs. Fenner

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will give details of the work share for British firms on the two of the four items of avionics equipment for the multi-r ôle combat aircraft for which British firms are not the prime contractors.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

The precise work-sharing arrangements are in the process of being worked out.

Mrs. Fenner

Is my hon. Friend aware of the concern being expressed about the reputed award of a computer contract to an American firm albeit to a German subsidiary? Will he comment on that?

Mr. Gilmour

There is no question of the award being given to an American firm.