§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to satisfy himself as to the cost effectiveness of the recent purchase of Phantom F4J's from the United States Government.
§ Mr. ButlerThis purchase was approved in accordance with the normal procedures of my Department which have as a primary objective the most cost-effective procurement of defence equipment.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the Phantom F4J's recently purchased from the United States Government: what information he has as to (a) the original life expectancy of their airframes (b) their length of service with the United States Navy and (c) the remaining life expectancy of their airframes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButlerThe cost of the Phantom F4J project including refurbishment of 15 aircraft, training, spares and support equipment is some £125 million at current prices. The aircraft were refurbished before delivery and they are expected to be in service with the RAF well into the 1990s.