HC Deb 14 February 1995 vol 254 cc612-3W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what topics were discussed at the meeting on 6 February in Munich of representatives of the nations participating in the Eurofighter 2000 project.

Mr. Freeman

As part of our regular programme of contacts with our Eurofighter 2000 partners, I met my counterparts from the other nations in Munich on 6 February to review progress in the reorientation of the project as agreed by the four Defence Ministers in December 1992, and to discuss a number of matters relating to planning for future phases.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce the date for the commencement of the production phase of the Eurofighter 2000; and if he will make a statement on the future of the project.

Mr. Freeman

On current plans, we expect to reach decisions on entering the production phase of the project by the end of this year.

We remain committed to the development of the Eurofighter 2000 which will provide the cornerstone of the RAF's future air combat capability.