§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence If he will make a statement on the medium-range TRIGAT programme. [90199]
§ Mr. George RobertsonI announced on 10 June that the UK intend to join the Industrialisation and Production phase of the Medium Range TRIGAT programme. The430W UK, France and Germany have now signed a Memorandum of Understanding covering that stage of the programme. Subject to signature of the Memorandum of Understanding by the remaining partner nations, Belgium and the Netherlands, and satisfactory final negotiations with the Prime Contractor, Aerospatiale, we expect to place a contract for the Industrialisation and Production phase of the weapon system later this year.