§ 66. Mr. AshdownTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the Anglo-Italian EH 101 helicopter project.
§ Mr. SainsburyThe integrated civil/military EH 101 helicopter programme is in its fourth year of full development. The first flight of a prototype aircraft took place successfully at Westland on 9 October, and the unveiling of the second prototype will take place at Augusta on December 14. While some difficulties have been experienced, I am confident that the two variants in prospect for the British armed forces will represent a major enhancement to our capability in their respective fields.