Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what expenditure has been incurred to date on the study of procurement options for the possible replacement of the WE177 free-fall bomb.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkI refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 28 November at column 572.
Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number of procurement options for the possible replacement of the WE177 free-fall bomb that are currently being studied.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkI have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 17 July at column71 by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces.
Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any agreements have been concluded with(a) the United States Government or (b) the French Government regarding the study of procurement options for the possible replacement of the WE177 free-fall nuclear bomb.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkArrangements enabling an exchange of information have been concluded with the United States Government. Negotiations are in hand with the French Government about similar arrangements.
Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether any money has been paid to(a) British Aerospace or (b) Hunting Engineering in connection with the study of possible procurement options for the replacement of the WE177 free-fall nuclear bomb;
(2) whether any plans exist to pay money to (a) British Aerospace or (b) Hunting Engineering in connection with the study of possible procurement options for the replacement of the WE177 free-fall nuclear bomb.
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§ Mr. Alan ClarkYes.
Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether any of his officials has visited French Government facilities in connection with the study of possible procurement options for the replacement of the WE177 free-fall nuclear bomb;
(2) whether any of his officials has visited United States Government facilities in connection with the study of possible procurement options for the replacement of the WE177 free-fall nuclear bomb.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonAs I have said on several occasions, discussions are taking place with both the United States and French Governments on procurement options for the possible replacement of the WE177 free-fall bomb, which include visits to the appropriate establishments. No decisions have yet been taken.