§ Mr. Ian Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether cost-effectiveness analyses preceded the original decision to convert the cruisers H.M.S.s 'Blake' and 'Lion' to helicopter carriers and the subsequent decision to incur the increased conversion costs now known to be necessary; what estimates were made in these analyses of the probable escalation of conversion costs; and by what margin these estimates have been exceeded.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuBefore decisions were taken to convert the Tiger class cruisers the expected cost of (he work was carefully weighed against the planned improvement in the ships' capability. There has been no escalation in the original estimate of cost.