§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for the Defence what is the latest position regarding production of the multi-launch rocket system project; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe situation remains broadly as described in the reply of my predecessor, the right hon. Member for Bosworth (Mr. Butler) on 22 May at columns424–5. We expect that the intergovernmental memorandum of understanding for European production of MLRS phase I will be signed in November. Meanwhile, negotiations are continuing, with the aim of Germany, the pilot nation, awarding a production contract on behalf of the European partners by the end of the year.