§ Mr. Bowen Wellsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of the importance to the export prospects of the defence industry of systems such as the VM40, he will take this factor into account when reaching a decision on a new lightweight tracker for the Sea Wolf system.
§ Mr. PattieAll relevant factors, including the export prospects and the overall industrial implications, will be taken into account in the choice of the lightweight tracking radar for Sea Wolf.
§ Mr. Bowen Wellsasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many jobs would be provided in the United Kingdom by the Sea Wolf VM40 system developed by the British Aircraft Corporation in co-operation with the Dutch and how many by the Marconi 805SW system; and if he will assess the relative export prospects of the two systems.
§ Mr. PattieWe have held detailed discussions with the firms concerned to establish the broad employment and industrial consequences of the choice of the new lightweight tracker for Sea Wolf, and we will take this information fully into account in reaching our decision. Export potential is also being considered.
The decision has not yet been made. It would not be appropriate to comment further on the detail of some of the factors involved.
§ Mr. Bowen Wellsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the purpose of the £9 million invested in the development of the Sea Wolf VM40 system; and if he is satisfied with the results of the investment so far.
§ Mr. PattieThe MOD and British Aerospace contributed approximately £4.5 million each to a programme of work aimed at demonstrating the effectiveness of the VM40 tracking radar in the Sea Wolf system. This involved a series of non-firing trials followed by missile firing trials at RAE Aberporth which were brought to a successful conclusion. It was shown that VM40 is a viable contender for the improved Sea Wolf system and I am therefore satisfied that the investment in the demonstrator programme has achieved its purpose.