§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to ensure the continued viability of the British Aerospace Hawk contract with the United States Government; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieThe United States Congress decided last week to proceed with R and D funding of the Hawk VTX programme for the United States navy on the basis that all the aircraft would be suitable for carrier operations. This programme is of great importance to both the United States of America and the United Kingdom. The British Government will continue to work closely with British Aerospace to bring the programme to a successful conclusion.