HC Deb 11 February 1975 vol 886 c195
17. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, on the basis of the figures referred to in his answer to the hon. Member for Stockport, North on 17th January, what is the fuel cost of flying the Vulcan and Phantom for a given period; and what, for the same period, will be the cost of flying the MRCA.

Mr. William Rodgers

It is too soon to be sure, but we expect the MRCA to use about 40 per cent. less fuel than a Vulcan and 30 per cent. less than a Phantom on a comparable mission.

Mr. Bennett

In view of the uncertainty that the Minister expressed on this occasion and on 17th January, is he convinced that the figures which were included in the defence review are of any value?

Mr. Rodgers

Yes, I am. There are always uncertainties about the future performance of sophisticated equipment, but I am sure that the figures we included were the best that we could have found.

Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

Is there any truth in the statement that orders for the MRCA for the Royal Air Force are to be reduced?

Mr. Rodgers

None.

Mr. Warren

Is it true that the British Aircraft Corporation is refusing to put money into the project while that company is under the threat of nationalisation?

Mr. Rodgers

I assume that that must be a legend, too.