§ 63. Mr. Brooksasked the Minister of Technology whether he will make a statement on the arrangements to be made for the financial security and audit of the British contribution to the research and development costs of the multi-rôle combat aircraft.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuAn International Management Organisation has been set up to control the programme and this will pay particular attention to cost 229W control. The United Kingdom contribution will consist largely of payment for work done in the United Kingdom and this will be subject to the usual audit by the Ministry. In addition there will be appropriate exchanges between the participating countries to ensure that their auditing arrangements are mutually satisfactory.
§ 64. Mr. Brooksasked the Minister of Technology whether the agreed British financial contribution to the multi-rôle combat aircraft project is subject to any break clauses or to any modification in the light of changes in the exchange rates of the currencies of participating states.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuThe M.R.C.A. programme is divided into a number of phases and the countries taking part commit themselves only to one phase at a time. There are also provisions for withdrawal during a phase if certain conditions are not met. There are also provisions for consultation between the participating countries if there is a change in exchange rates.
§ 65. Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Technology what assessment he has made of the cost of the multi-rôle combat aircraft; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuAs I told the hon. Member on 16th April, it is not customary to give estimates of this nature.