HL Deb 29 February 1968 vol 289 cc897-8
THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the estimated cost per aircraft of the modifications still to be made to the British Phantom aircraft between the time of delivery in Britain and their entry into service with the Royal Air Force.]

THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (LORD SHACKLETON)

My Lords, on its arrival in the United Kingdom the Spey/Phantom will be generally acceptable to the Royal Air Force for entry into service. There will, however, he a requirement to fit a few relatively minor modifications which it was not possible to incorporate in the aircraft while they were on the United States production line.

The cost of the necessary modification sets is expected to be about £20,000 per aircraft.

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his reply, may I ask whether he can say what will happen to the new American equipment that I understand is to be taken out of the aircraft before it goes into Royal Air Force service?

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, I shall be happy to write and tell the noble Earl when I know the answer.

LORD GRANVILLE OF EYE

My Lords, may I ask the Leader of the House whether this additional cost for the modifications to these aircraft which are for service with the Royal Air Force is at a fixed price, and whether this cost is being borne by this country or by the manufacturers of the aircraft?

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, it will depend on a number of factors. Broadly, this is an estimaie—it is a pretty accurate estimate I am advised—and it does not, of course, significantly affect the total cost. I must confess that I always find it difficult to sort out the way particular costs fall when either Anglicisation is carried out or special equipment is put in. If my noble friend will put down another Question, I shall be happy to supply him with an answer.

THE EARL OF KINNOULL

My Lords, can the noble Lord say whether the Services themselves, or outside contractors, will be doing these modifications?

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, certain of the modifications will be done by contractors who are operating under the agreement, some of whom may be under contract to McDonnell's. This is always a difficult point, because, as the noble Earl will know, modifications are frequently made to aircraft at a later stage. Sometimes this is done by the Air Force; sometimes it is cheaper to put it out to contract.