§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to the provision of a constant speed drive generating unit on the new European fighter aircraft; whether he has considered the Lucas system and that of Bendix/Ferranti; and if he has considered the respective weights and efficiency of power supplies in reaching a decision between the competing systems.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe United Kingdom and our EFA partners, in conjunction with the EFA prime contractor (Eurofighter), are in the process of evaluating the merits of the competing bids for the EFA main generating system development contract. All relevant factors, including those mentioned by the hon. Member for Liverpool, Mossley Hill (Mr. Alton), are being taken into account and a decision is expected in the very near future. In the circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the respective merits of either bid.
898W
§ Mr. DykesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he next expects to meet his counterpart in the Federal Republic of Germany to discuss progress on the contract awards for the EFA project.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkI will write to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Ernie RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what decision has been reached on the development contract for the European fighter aircraft radar.
§ Mr. RogersTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration has been given to the development and production of two different versions of the European Fighter Aircraft, based upon two different radar systems.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkI will write to the hon. Members.