§ Mr. Shinwellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what expenditure was incurred in the care and maintenance of the Valiant aircraft in the past four years; when the defects in this aircraft were discovered; what replacements are contemplated; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HealeyI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I have given today to the hon. and learned Member for Walsall, North (Mr. William Wells). As regards expenditure on care and maintenance, this has totalled a little under £20 million in the last four years. This figure covers items like spare parts, repairs and normal servicing but excludes the cost of personnel, for whom care and maintenance has been merely a part of their work.