§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress is being made towards the five-nation European aircraft programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButlerI refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) on 10 July, at columns 448–490. The technical and industrial feasibility study of a European fighter aircraft is well under way and a full European staff target was signed on 11 October by the chiefs of the air staffs of the five nations. The momentum of the work is therefore being maintained.