To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many months of the delay in the A400M aircraft programme up to 31 December 2009 they attribute to the consortium not ordering engines from Pratt and Whitney. [HL1301]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much of the cost overrun in the A400M programme up to 31 December 2009 they attribute to the consortium not ordering engines from Pratt and Whitney. [HL1302]

It is not possible to answer these Questions as Pratt and Whitney did not win the competition, so it is not possible to know whether they would have been able to deliver the engines within agreed time and cost envelopes.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the position of the Government of Germany as regards ensuring the A400M aircraft complies to all specifications on capabilities in the original contract; and whether their position conforms with that of the Government of Germany. [HL1321]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what advice officials are giving to Ministers about the position of the Government of Germany as regards the funding of the A400M aircraft programme. [HL1322]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what advice officials are giving to Ministers about the position of the Government of Germany as regards the specifications of the A400M aircraft programme. [HL1323]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what advice officials are giving to Ministers about the position of the Government of Germany as regards the weight of the A400M aircraft. [HL1324]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what advice officials are giving to ministers about the position of the government of Germany as regards the delays to the A400M aircraft programme. [HL1325]

As the UK and other partner nations are currently involved in negotiations with Airbus Military, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any advice that Ministers may have received as this could be prejudicial to the outcome. However, I can say that the partner nations are working together closely in this matter.