§ 34. Mr. Brooksasked the Minister of Technology how much had been paid to the contractors responsible for the TSR2 by 6th April, 1965; what calculation was at that time available regarding further payments, including cancellation charges; and what was, in the event, the actual total of these outstanding payments.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuAt the time of cancellation, payments to TSR2 contractors amounted to £125 million. Further payments, including cancellation charges, were then estimated at £70 million. Since cancellation such further payments have amounted to £53½ million. The final total is expected to fall well within the original estimate.
§ Mr. BrooksWe are dealing with figures of rather large dimensions and there still appears to be a substantial discrepancy. In order to clear the air once and for all on this, will my hon. Friend consider publishing a full and accurate document indicating the reasons for the discrepancy?
§ Mr. MallalieuThe discrepancy between the estimate and the actual payments so far made is due in part to the fact that some of the sub-contractors concerned have not yet put in their claims. Others have put in claims that were manifestly too high.
§ Mr. OnslowWhen the hon. Gentleman tells us that £248 million has been spent on the TSR2 and we have no aircraft to show for it, will he add the cancellation costs of the F111?
§ Mr. MallalieuThat would be an entirely different question, but I shall certainly look at the amount of money we should have had to spend if this cancellation had not taken place.