§ 91. Mr. Hamlingasked the Minister of Technology what is the figure of the original estimated cost of each of the following aircraft and missile projects; Swift fighter, Bluestreak missile, Blue-water missile, TSR2, P1154, and HS681; and how much was spent ultimately on each of these projects.
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§ Mr. StonehouseSince most of these projects were cancelled before the production stage I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind estimates and expenditure relating to research and development. The figures with explanatory notes are:
(1) (2) (3) Project Original Estimated Cost for Research and Development Estimated Expenditure (£m.) (£m.) Swift fighter … Not now available 22.0 Bluestreak missile … 50 84.0 Bluewater missile … 48 32.1 TSR2 … 80/90 195.0 P.1154 … 150/170 21.0 HS.681 … 40 4.0 Notes:
(i) The figures in column (3) relate mainly to expenditure on research and development and have been extracted from records extending over a number of years; some include elements of expenditure, not now separately identifiable, arising from the cancellation of production aircraft.
(ii) The original estimated cost related to the requirement at the time when the project was approved for development. In some cases this requirement was refined during the development stage of the project and prior to cancellation.