asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with progress achieved on the modular stand-off weapon collaborative programme; and if he will make a statement.

Negotiations are proceeding satisfactorily between the governments of the United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Canada. It is hoped that this major programme will lead to significant economies in the use of NATO resources. It is the intention to sign a memorandum of understanding in the first half of 1987.