HC Deb 29 January 1985 vol 72 cc137-8
3. Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the present standing of the experimental aircraft project.

The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Mr. Adam Butler)

The experimental aircraft programme is a joint venture by the Ministry of Defence and industry to bring together and demonstrate in one aircraft specific advance technologies which will be applicable to a variety of advanced aircraft. The design and construction of the experimental aircraft are progressing satisfactorily and it is on schedule for first flight in 1986.

Mr. Carter-Jones

Is the Minister aware of the urgent need for a fighter aircraft? Will he make a decision on the European fighter in March? If not, in the interests of defence, the RAF and the work force, will he go it alone?

Mr. Butler

I am interested in the fact that the hon. Gentleman has managed to switch the question to one about the European fighter aircraft, about which a question will follow soon. The experimental aircraft is not a prototype for the European fighter aircraft.

Mr. Wilkinson

Will my right hon. Friend try to obtain data from this most important technology demonstrator and pool the data with that obtained from the French on the ACX aircraft, since both experimental aeroplanes will provide the technology needed for the Euro fighter, which we all hope will form the front line of the five air forces which have agreed joint staff targets?

Mr. Butler

I am glad that my hon. Friend has pointed to the advantages of and need for collaboration in such matters. I hope that what he suggests will be possible.

Mr. McNamara

Can we expect the French to share their research secrets with us, when the French Government have allocated nearly three times as much money to the ACX project as we have allocated to the European fighter aircraft project? Why will the Government not invest more money, in the interests of British industry and jobs?

Mr. Butler

Again, we are straying into the question about the European fighter aircraft. I can only refer to the understanding that exists with regard to collaboration in aircraft matters. If we are to go ahead with the project, it will be essential to exchange technological information.

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