§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether any of the Ministry of Defence officials who participated in the development of the Royal Navy's requirement for a Joint Strike Fighter are now working with either of the US firms competing for the contract.
Earl HoweUnder my department's regulations, such officials are required for two years after leaving Crown services to apply for permission to accept employment with either of the US firms competing for the next phase of the Joint Strike Fighter programme. No such applications have been received.