§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what factors will be considered in the decision about which company will supply the A400M engine for the European project; and if he will make a statement. [41602]
§ Dr. MoonieThe prime contract with the Airbus Military Company is for the development and production of the A400M, including its engines. The contract specifies overall performance guarantees that the company must achieve. It is for the prime contractor, therefore, to define the selection criteria against which to judge potential engines and engine manufacturers; but among these would undoubtedly be performance and cost.