Hon. Adam Butler: The British Trident programme is expected to create an extra 17,000 direct jobs and 13,000 indirect ones during the peak years of the project, with a total of 170,000 man years of direct employment in the United Kingdom and 130,000 indirect man years over the programme as a whole.
Hon. Adam Butler: I would have thought that the hon. Gentleman would at least have welcomed the good news about job creation. I have no idea where he gets his figures from. The proportion of the equipment budget that will be taken at peak is estimated at 11 per cent. Therefore, in no way can £1 in £4 go to America.
Hon. Adam Butler: The main reason for having Trident is to make our contribution to the policy of deterrence which has been so effective during the 40 years since the second world war. In the remote, hypothetical event of Western Europe being isolated, clearly Trident and the French nuclear deterrent would have a special part to play.
Hon. Adam Butler: The hon. Gentleman will have to find another opportunity to explain what is behind his question. I have given a clear answer as to the number of jobs that the programme will create.
Hon. Adam Butler: Yes, and I hope that the declaration by the local authority will be ignored.
Hon. Adam Butler: The largest part of the expenditure on the submarine element of the Trident programme will fall in this country.
Hon. Adam Butler: Following recent exercises, including Exercise Lionheart last autumn, the Army's requirements for helicopter support are being reviewed. Until that review is complete, I regret that decisions on AST 404 will remain in abeyance. Meanwhile, my Department is in discussion with Westland about other possible Ministry of Defence orders.
Hon. Adam Butler: I understand the reaction that my hon. Friend expresses on behalf of the company, but I think he should realise that the staff target is at a very early stage and that it would be strange if one were to force on any of the armed forces something which did not meet its requirements. The Army feels that it may need a larger helicopter, with a greater payload, in the interests of battlefield...
Hon. Adam Butler: As the Army has not confirmed its requirements, and as it is not certain that finance is available, the matter of choice between the various aircraft has not yet arisen.
Hon. Adam Butler: I am fully aware of these matters. I am working closely with my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry, and we will come to a decision as soon as we can, but, in answer to the question asked by the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, North (Mr. McNamara), I must say that the decision is likely to be some months away.
Hon. Adam Butler: As I said a few moments ago, we cannot expect the armed services to take something which they do not want. They have seen fit to review their requirements. I should also say that the WG30 in its present condition will not meet the staff target, and would do so only with the advanced engineering gearbox and the new Rolls-Royce motor, and that by itself will cause some delay.
Hon. Adam Butler: The experimental aircraft programme is a joint venture by the Ministry of Defence and industry to bring together and demonstrate in one aircraft specific advance technologies which will be applicable to a variety of advanced aircraft. The design and construction of the experimental aircraft are progressing satisfactorily and it is on schedule for first flight in 1986.
Hon. Adam Butler: I am interested in the fact that the hon. Gentleman has managed to switch the question to one about the European fighter aircraft, about which a question will follow soon. The experimental aircraft is not a prototype for the European fighter aircraft.
Hon. Adam Butler: I am glad that my hon. Friend has pointed to the advantages of and need for collaboration in such matters. I hope that what he suggests will be possible.
Hon. Adam Butler: Again, we are straying into the question about the European fighter aircraft. I can only refer to the understanding that exists with regard to collaboration in aircraft matters. If we are to go ahead with the project, it will be essential to exchange technological information.
Hon. Adam Butler: Deliveries of FH70 ammunition began in 1978 and procurement of certain kinds is continuing. The allocation of work on the FH70 programme is governed by a memorandum of understanding agreed by the participants to the programme.
Hon. Adam Butler: There have been some delays, due to problems in the Defence Procurement Executive of the German Government, but that does not alter the position with regard to the placing of the order. Much as I would have liked it to go to the royal ordnance factories, it was out of the question that it should do so under the terms of our understanding.
Hon. Adam Butler: I understand that the prices are competitive in this matter.
Hon. Adam Butler: I can give the hon. Gentleman a categorical no. If I am mistaken, I shall let him know.
Hon. Adam Butler: I have explained that the delays which have occurred in regard to the project have been within the Defence Procurement Executive, not, so far as I am aware, within German industry. Nevertheless, I am prepared to pay tribute to the royal ordance factory in the way that my hon. Friend would like.
