HC Deb 21 July 1999 vol 335 cc534-5W
Mr. Cann

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the medium-range TRIGAT programme. [90175]

Mr. Spellar

On 10 June the Secretary of State for Defence announced that the UK intended to join the Industrialisation and Production phase of the MR TRIGAT programme. The UK, France and Germany have now signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) covering that stage of the programme. Subject to signature of the MOU by the remaining partner nations, Belgium and the Netherlands, and satisfactory final negotiations with the Prime Contractor, Aerospatiale, we expect to place a contract for the Industrialisation and Production of the weapon system later this year.