§ Mrs. Ann Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the proposed acquisition of Sub-Harpoon in the light of the United States Government's reported cancellation or suspension of the test programme.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe Harpoon test programme has not been cancelled. I understand that it has been temporarily suspended following a recent technical failure. We know of no fundamental difficulties with the programme and still intend to proceed with the purchase of Sub-Harpoon if the terms are right. Negotiations are proceeding satisfactorily.