Written question asked by Andy Burnham (Labour) on Monday, 21 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 November 2002. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Monday, 4 November 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, What progress there has been to advance UK participation in the Joint Strike Fighter project. (Failed OPQ). - Inc figures.

Answer: Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary for Defence, what progress there has been to advance UK participation in the joint strike fighter project. [76720] Mr. Hoon: The recent announcement of the selection of the Short Take off and Vertical Landing variant of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) to meet the United Kingdom Joint Combat Aircraft requirement reaffirmed our participation in the JSF programme. This decision has been well received by UK industry. United Kingdom companies have already secured key roles within the programme as a result of their outstanding technology and ability to deliver value for money. Industry estimates that its involvement could be worth up to £27 billion over the whole life of the programme, creating or securing some 8,500 jobs. In addition, we are working closely with the US authorities to facilitate further involvement of UK companies and we are placing particular emphasis on arrangements to smooth the transfer of technology between the US and UK. This builds on the considerable progress already made under the declaration of principles.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 76720; 392 c55-6W;392 c55W
Session: 2001-02
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Industry Military aircraft Technology Technology transfer USA F-35 aircraft
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk