HC Deb 11 May 1976 vol 911 cc217-8
14. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the long lead decision for the AWACS project.

Mr. William Rodgers

I would expect NATO Ministers to consider this matter at the June meeting of the Defence Planning Committee.

Mr. Wall

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that all NATO commanders-in-chief have said that the project should have top priority, and that it is very important from the point of view not only of early warning but of command and control?

Mr. Rodgers

I entirely agree that it is a very important matter. The issues are also complicated, and a great deal of money is at risk. For that reason it will be some time before final decisions are made.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Will the Minister give the House an assurance that we shall not allow so much time to elapse that we find ourselves forced to place an order for a less desirable form of radar surveillance?

Mr. Rodgers

I give that assurance. The only likely choice is between the AWACS project and the Nimrod alternative. There is a great deal to recommend both. That is one reason why the process of decision-making is rather lengthy.