§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy towards the development of the Merlin anti-tank ammunition by British Aerospace; and what financial support has been given by his Department in every year since the project commenced.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe MOD has, at present, no formal requirement for the Merlin anti-tank ammunition. It remains our policy to encourage United Kingdom companies to undertake private venture developments which may have relevance to our future requirements, and we are continuing to take a close interest in the completion of the development of Merlin. The MOD contributed £3.4 million in 1983–84 and £2.2 million in 1984–85 by way of financial support towards the feasibility and systems definition phases of the British Aerospace work.