§ Mr. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the loss of the Tornado prototype; and what measures he is taking to review the Tornado programme.
§ Mr. PymThe Tornado development aircraft concerned was declared missing during a test flight on 12 June from the British Aerospace airfield at Warton. The wreckage of the aircraft has been located some 30 miles off the Lancashire coast. Diving teams have been at work in preparation for salvage but were hampered by adverse weather conditions. A salvage vessel is on station and recovery of the wreckage is now in hand. A continuous Royal Navy presence is being maintained in the area. The two members of the crew have not yet been found, and I should like to express the Government's deepest sympathy to their wives and families.
It is too early to comment on the possible cause of the crash. The board of inquiry consisting of official representatives of the three partner countries, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, is now investigating the accident. There is no evidence so far either from this accident or from 2,700 hours of Tornado test flying and very comprehensive ground testing which would justify grounding the aircraft. In these circumstances, the three partner countries have decided that development flying should continue. Tasks are being rearranged among the other 14 development aircraft to minimise any delays to the overall programme. Tornado is in full production, and there is every confidence that it will meet the requirements of the Royal Air Force.