HC Deb 22 March 1977 vol 928 cc1064-5
11. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average cost per hour of using a Nimrod aircraft in the fisheries protection rôle, including crews' salaries, expenses and the cost of ground support facilities.

Mr. Wellbeloved

Approximately £1,200 per hour at 1977 prices.

Mr. McNair-Wilson

What further consideration has the Minister given to using the Maritime Defender in this role? It would cost only £64 an hour to carry out this task, and all it would require is an avionic fit. At a time when public expenditure cuts are uppermost in everyone's mind, would it not be an ideal aircraft for this task?

Mr. Wellbeloved

That remains to be seen. I have received a letter from the chairman of Fairey-Britten and the claims in that letter are now being examined by my Department. We are also examining other contenders that have been suggested to us. When we come to a final decision an announcement will be made.

Mr. James Johnson

Will the Minister give his considered view about the use of airships in a fishery protection role? Will he consider a mini-zeppelin such as the R500, which is 85 feet long and is faster than a frigate, having 60 knots compared with 25? Also, it can hover, manoeuvre and is cheaper.

Mr. Wellbeloved

We would be prepared to consider any proposals that could make a contribution to cost-saving in defence expenditure. On the preliminary consideration that I have given to the question of the use of airships by the Royal Air Force, I see no war rôle for them, and they would be a rather expensive operation for the RAF to maintain.

Mrs. Winifred Ewing

Will the Minister comment on the advantages that the Nimrod has—although it is more expensive—in that it can scan such a large sector of sea and has such a long range? What information has he about the effect of the combination of air and sea protection since the Nimrod was introduced? If we cut the cost of fisheries protection we would not be able to counteract invasions of pirate fleets.

Mr. Wellbeloved

The Department of Agriculture for Scotland and the Ministry of Agriculture in England and Wales are entirely satisfied, as customers, with the contribution made by the RAF in the manning and work of Nimrod. I am entirely satisfied that the aircraft is doing the job laid upon it by the customers.