HC Deb 01 March 2004 vol 418 c693W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many Typhoon aircraft have been ordered from outside the partner countries; [155131]

(2) how many countries have expressed interest in ordering Typhoon aircraft. [155132]

Mr. Ingram

Eighteen Typhoon aircraft have been ordered from outside the partner countries. In addition, three countries have expressed an interest in ordering Typhoon; this figure does not include countries that have shown only a preliminary interest, for example by requesting information about the aircraft.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether RAF Typhoon aircraft will operate in(a) the Falklands, (b) Gibraltar, (c) Germany and (d) other countries. [155133]

Mr. Ingram

Typhoon will have the capacity to operate from bases outside the United Kingdom when this is appropriate to fulfil training and operational needs.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Government is committed to proceeding with the second tranche of Typhoons for the RAF; and if he will make a statement. [155243]

Mr. Ingram

The Government are committed to proceeding with the second tranche of Typhoon for the RAF, and negotiations with Industry involving the four partner nations are in progress.