HC Deb 12 July 1984 vol 63 cc649-50W
Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in upgrading the hangars at RAF Leuchars; and when the upgrading will be completed.

Mr. Lee

I assume the hon. Member is referring to the construction of hardened aircraft shelter. The work is in progress and is due for completion in mid-1985.

Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of public expenditure and what proportion of gross national product each of the member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation spent on defence in each of the last five years.

Mr. Stanley

The information is as follows:

Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Defence who is the main contractor involved in the upgrading of the hangars at RAF Leuchars; and if he will list all the sub-contractors.

Mr. Lee

Balfour Beattie is the main contractor. The identity of sub-contractors is a matter for the main contractor.

Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated total cost of the contract to upgrade hangars at RAF Leuchars; and how many persons are employed in this upgrading.

Mr. Lee

It is now estimated that the cost of the hardened aircraft shelters themselves, without additional facilities, will be some £11 million. The hon. Member will notice that this is slightly less than the estimate which the Minister of State for the Armed Forces gave on 29 March 1982. About 400 people are involved.

Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many hangars will be available at RAF Leuchars following the upgrading; and how many aircraft they will be able to accommodate.

Mr. Lee

It is not the practice to release such information.