§ Mr. DykesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will describe any current problems involved in developing the utility EH 101 helicopter project; what is the latest estimate of any cost over-runs; and if he will make a statement on the progress of this programme item.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe RAF utility EH 101 helicopter programme is currently in the project definition phase, the first stage of which will be completed by April 1990. This involves a detailed examination of the RAF's foreseen requirement against a range of options, and establishing the costs and risks associated with each. The results of this work will provide the basis for decisions on the next stage of the programme.