HC Deb 29 October 1985 vol 84 cc469-70W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will estimate when all 11 airborne early warning Nimrods will reach an initial operating capability;

(2) if he will estimate when the 11 airborne early warning Nimrods will meet the full air staff requirement.

Mr. Norman Lamont

We are currently discussing with GEC Avionics an incentive contract for the further development of the Nimrod AEW mission system avionics to an acceptable initial operational standard. An operational AEW capability for the Nimrod could be achieved in 1987.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current cost of the airborne early warning Nimrod programme.

Mr. Norman Lamont

To date, some £831 million (at current prices) has been spent and committed on the Nimrod AEW project.