HC Deb 24 November 1992 vol 214 cc644-5W
14. Mr. Nigel Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on the future of the European fighter aircraft.

Mr. Rifkind

The two studies that were commissioned by the four Governments in August have now reported and I plan to meet with my German, Italian and Spanish counterparts in December to discuss the results. The industrial study has shown that significant reductions in the cost of the aircraft are possible. The report on the second study—a reassessment of the operational requirement by our chiefs of staff—has only just been received and I am considering its conclusions.

22. Mr. Bill Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give details of the current situation regarding the intergovernmental talks concerning the European fighter aircraft.

Mr. Rifkind

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans).

Mr. Roy Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from trade unions concerning the European fighter aircraft and its implications for future employment.

Mr. Aitken

On 29 October I met a trade union delegation representing employees at Rolls-Royce, British Aerospace, Lucas Aerospace and GEC-Ferranti. My Department has also received letters from trade union representatives at GEC-Ferranti in Edinburgh and at GEC Avionics at Rochester.