§ Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the timing, extent and cost of the life extension programme of the Lightning fighter aircraft.
§ Mr. Lee[pursuant to his reply, 23 June 1986, c. 27]: The current programme of fatigue enhancement on the Lightning air defence fighter started in mid-1984 and is planned to be completed by early 1987. The programme is necessary to keep the aircraft in service until replaced by the Tornado ADV. These modifications extend the fatigue 322W life of aircraft by strengthening the wing spars. The estimated total cost of the programme is £2 million at 1985–86 outturn prices.