§ 12. Mr. Powellasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will specify the main components of the saving of £80 million on the defence budget for 1969–70 arising from the decision not to build the new aircraft carrier.
§ Mr. HealeyApproximately £25 million on the new carrier and its associated support and the balance of £55 million on aircraft.
§ Mr. PowellThe right hon. Gentleman has told me that, of that balance, 557 £15 million is attributable to Phantom aircraft. Can he, if necessary in writing, supply me with more detail on the remainder?
§ Mr. HealeyYes, Sir, I can do that orally now—£15 million was for Phantom aircraft, £9 million is on credits for the Phantom buy, and the rest is on Buccaneers for fewer Buccaneers of the present mark, not developing and buying Buccaneer Mark 2 Star and not developing new British airborne early warning aircraft.