§ Mr. Powellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total estimated cost, respectively, of the Phantom, Hercules and F.111 aircraft which the Government have ordered or announced a decision to order, since October, 1964; and how much approximately in each case is due to be paid before April, 1970.
§ Mr. HealeyFor the 50 F.111 As which the Government have decided to order, the total costs of the aircraft including supporting equipment and initial spares, and our share of United States research and development costs is expected to be £150 million, of which about £20 million will be paid before April, 1970. The cost of the Hercules order will be about £70 million of which £20 million will be paid before 1970. No final decision has been taken on the exact size of orders for Phantom aircraft, but it is likely that the corresponding figures, on the same basis, will be £300 million and £160 million. The last figure reflects the fact that nearly half the Phantom content will be of British origin.