§ 30. Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the progress of the MRCA/Tornado in relation to its cost estimates and performance.
§ 40. Mr. Robin F. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement on the progress of MRCA.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe development programme continues to go well and the eighth prototype is due to fly in the next few days. I am satisfied that the aircraft will meet fully the RAF's performance requirements.
On costs, it remains my view that this has been a well managed programme with increases in real terms kept to the minimum.
§ 39. Mr. Terry Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects arrangements for the production of MRCA to be finally agreed between the British, German and Italian Governments.
§ Mr. William RodgersShortly, I hope.