§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress with integration of electronic systems in the Merlin anti-submarine helicopter.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe MOD is examining the scope for appointing a prime contractor responsible for the overall performance of the complete mission system for the Royal Navy anti-submarine warfare variant of the Anglo-Italian EH101 helicopter. A contract has been placed with consultants to write a detailed performance specification, against which bids could be invited next year.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the original target date for completion and the original budget of the Merlin anti-submarine helicopter; and what are the current estimated completion dates and budget.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe contractor's latest programme plan forecasts completion of development at the end of 1992, a one-year slippage against their original forecast. The original estimate of total Royal Navy development costs uprated to 1988 economic conditions was £779.6 million, which compares with the current estimate of some £1,000 million at the same economic conditions. It should be noted, however, that the latter estimate makes provision for uprated engines and the appointment of a prime contractor for the Royal Navy mission system, which were not included in the original estimate.