HC Deb 13 November 2003 vol 413 cc432-3W
Mr. Jack

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Government's commitment to the Eurofighter Typhoon project. [138383]

Mr. Ingram

The Government remain committed to the Typhoon programme. Production of the Tranche 1 aircraft is well advanced. Discussions with our three partner nations and with Industry regarding the order for Tranche 2 are ongoing. The order for Tranche 3 is not expected before 2007.

Mr. Jack

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what procedures would be followed in the case of the four Eurofighter Typhoon project partners choosing to reduce the number of aircraft ordered under the third tranche of the programme; [138384]

(2) what financial penalties the UK would face in the case of it not proceeding with Tranche III of the Eurofighter Programme. [138382]

Mr. Ingram

Under the collaborative procurement arrangements for the project, the attribution of costs and savings from any reduction of the third tranche of aircraft would need to be discussed and formally agreed between the four participating nations. No such discussions have taken place.

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