HC Deb 29 October 2001 vol 373 c512W
28. Mr. Blunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the A400M programme. [8379]

Dr. Moonie

Six of the eight participating nations signed the A400M MOU in June. Since then, the focus has been on progressing contract and price negotiations. We are close to concluding these negotiations and Germany and Portugal are moving towards achieving final parliamentary and ministerial approval. On 16 October, Italy announced its decision not to continue with the programme at present, but the A400M project nevertheless remains fully viable.