§ 29. Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current state of the European discussions on the future European fighter aircraft.
§ Mr. PattieIn January the Governments of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom commissioned their aeronautical industries to undertake joint studies into the feasibility of meeting the requirement for a future European fighter aircraft on a collaborative basis. The industrial reports, which were received at the end of March, have been discussed by officials of the five countries. There is some further preliminary work to be done before recommendations can be made to the five Defence Ministers who will consider the matter at a meeting this summer.