HC Deb 18 July 2003 vol 409 cc903-4W
Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the United States Government first made complaints of alleged corrupt practice by BAe Systems regarding the possible sale of Gripen jets and the decision by the Government of the Czech Republic to buy supersonic aircraft to his Department; and which United States administration department made this complaint. [123008]

Mr. Caplin

A number of individuals in the United States Administration have raised allegations against BAe Systems since the US industry decision in May 2001 not to continue participation in the Czech Republic's fighter aircraft competition. However, we have not been able to find, nor have we been given, any evidence whatsoever to substantiate the allegations and this has been made abundantly clear to the US Government.

Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many meetings have been held since 1 January 1999 between Ministers in his Department and the United States Administration in which allegations of corrupt practice by BAE Systems regarding the possible sale of Gripen jets and the decision by the Government of the Czech Republic to buy supersonic aircraft were discussed; when each of these meetings was held; where each of these meetings was held; and which United States Administration Departments attended each of these meetings. [123009]

Mr. Caplin

None.

Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his department first received allegations of corrupt practice by BAe Systems regarding the possible sale of Gripen jets and the decision by the government of the Czech Republic to buy supersonic aircraft. [123160]

Mr. Caplin

The Ministry of Defence has not received any substantiated allegations of corrupt practice by BAe Systems over the possible sale of Gripen jets to the Czech Republic.

Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department first received allegations of corrupt practice by BAe Systems regarding the supply of a package of Hawk and Gripen jets to the Government of South Africa. [123010]

Mr. Caplin

The Ministry of Defence has received no substantiated allegations of corrupt practice by BAe Systems regarding the supply of Hawk and Gripen aircraft to the Government of South Africa.

Forward to