§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the re-tendering process for the engines for the A600M; what EU funding is available to(a) Pratt and Whitney and (b) Rolls Royce to assist with research and development of bids for the A600M engine project; and when he will announce the outcome of the re-tendering process for the A600M engines. [70162]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 16 July 2002]I believe that the hon. Member is referring to the A400M aircraft. The A400M prime contractor, Airbus Military, is responsible for selecting the aircraft's engines. In December 2001 the company sought new tenders for the A400M engine after deciding not to proceed with its earlier choice of engine. The hon. Member will recall that the A400M contract is for the development and production of the complete aircraft, including its engines. Airbus Military is free, therefore, to select its suppliers on grounds of performance and cost, thereby ensuring that we obtain best value for money. No EU funding for research and development is available to either Pratt and Whitney or Rolls Royce in connection with the A400M engines. We understand that Airbus Military expect to announce their engine selection when the A400M prime contract becomes effective. Partner nations are working to bring the prime contract into effect at the earliest opportunity.