§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy towards the development of the advanced short-range air-to-air missile in the light of the decision of West Germany on 13 July to withdraw from the programme to develop it; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe RAF has a requirement for an advanced short range air-to-air missile, and the United Kingdom remains committed to the four power family of weapons arrangements for the next generation of air-to-air missiles. Following the German withdrawal, we are considering with Norway and Canada revised proposals from the prime contractor, British Aerospace, for the next stage of the advanced short range air-to-air missile programme.