§ 3.15 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the light of the most recent Anglo-French discussions, they still regard the proposed variable-geometry aircraft as constituting both operationally and industrially the core of our long-term aircraft programme.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF PUBLIC BUILDING AND WORKS (LORD WINTERBOTTOM)My Lords, this project remains an important feature of our military and industrial programme.
EARL JELLICOEMy Lords, whilst thanking the noble Lord for his reply, might I observe that this project, which was described last year by the Government as the core of our long-term aircraft programme, has now become an "important feature" of it? May I, after that reflection, put two supplementaries to the noble Lord? Can he confirm newspaper reports that the date up to which either party can withdraw without notice from this project has been postponed from June, 1967, until January, 1969? Secondly, can he tell us anything about the prospects of German participation in this very important and very expensive project?
§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, I am able to answer the two supplementaries. Taking first the position vis-à-vis France, I would point out that when the Memorandum of Understanding was signed with France in May, 1965, provisions for withdrawal from any of the joint military projects were agreed upon, as I am sure the House will agree is necessary. It was agreed as reasonable that up to June 1, 1967, either side could withdraw without notice. After that date withdrawal became effective only 14 months after notice had been given. Because the project study and prototype phase of the programme has taken longer to settle than we originally anticipated, we have now agreed with the French to alter the date to January 1, 1969.
312 Turning to Germany, I would say that we believe that the Federal Republic may well have a requirement for an aircraft very similar to the variable-geometry aircraft now being discussed between us and the French. A number of talks have already been held with the German Air Staff on this question—notably a joint Anglo-French presentation was given to General Steinhoff and his staff in Bonn on March 1. Since then General Steinhoff has visited the British Aircraft Corporation, Warton, Rolls-Royce and Bristol. We and the French certainly intend to exert every possible effort to associate Germany with this project.
§ LORD MERRIVALEMy Lords, is it correct that the French now desire a higher-performance aircraft? And if this is so, what is the British reaction to that request?
§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, that is correct. The French are asking for a somewhat different aircraft from the one we require. To go into details, it is known that the French want an interceptor, as well as a strike aircraft, which they can use from their carriers as well. We in this country are primarily interested in a strike aircraft. The precise reconciliation of these requirements so as to produce one specification for a satisfactory aircraft is not easy, but we are well on the way to completion and, as it will fulfil many roles, we believe that the aircraft will have good export prospects.
§ LORD MERRIVALEMy Lords, have we acceded to the French request?
§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, we are trying to reconcile our different specifications.
§ LORD ROWLEYMy Lords, can my noble friend give any indication of the time when it is expected that the prototype of this strike aircraft will be ready to take off?
§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMNo, my Lords, I cannot. All I can indicate is the date on which we agree either to marry or divorce.
EARL JELLICOEMy Lords, may I thank the noble Lord for the full supplementary information he has given, and 313 ask one further question? Can he confirm whether or not there is yet agreement on the project study for this aircraft?
§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, my information is that the project study is going on at the moment. We are trying to harmonise two different concepts of the use of this aircraft.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, is it in fact possible to harmonise these two different concepts? Is there not a danger that we shall get an aircraft which will perform neither function properly? Secondly, have we any idea at all of what the mounting costs of this aircraft are likely to be?
§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, as the noble Lord has said, this is the problem when one tries to reconcile different objectives. However, the project is not yet absolutely firm and the date for a final decision has been postponed. The whole subject is under study now.