Written question asked by Lord Gilbert (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Astor of Hever (Conservative) on Wednesday, 24 November 2010.

Armed Forces: Aircraft

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will disclose whose commercial interests they consider will be prejudiced by disclosure of whether there is any clause in their contract that restricts their freedom to sell the A400M aircraft to other countries who are either inside or outside the manufacturing consortium.

Answer: Contractual negotiations between partner nations and Airbus Military on the A400M programme are at an advanced stage. Disclosure of Airbus Military’s obligation to seek permission from partner nations for exports could be exploited by competitors and therefore harm Airbus Military and its suppliers. There is no known intention to limit Airbus Military's export campaign in practice. Indeed, we fully anticipate that the A400M will be an attractive proposition for many countries beyond the initial consortium and the Ministry of Defence will actively support any such export campaign.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4022; 722 c330-1WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Disclosure of information Commercial secrets Exports A400M aircraft
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk