§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with United Kingdom manufacturers about the openness of the United States navy aircrews common ejection seat competition; and what representations he has made to the United States Government about British interest in this competition.
§ Mr. PattieIn the light of the Congressional directive in 1983 to suspend funding for the F-18 and Hawk ejection seat programmes until such time as the US Navy produced a plan to fit only US manufactured seats, my Department has been in regular contact with Martin Baker Aircraft Company.
As a result of joint representations to the US Government, Congress has now rescinded the 1983 directive. There will be a new competition for ejection seats for a number of USN aircraft programmes, which will be open to all bidders, foreign and domestic. The MOD will continue to monitor the position to ensure that Martin Baker is allowed to compete on equal terms.