Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what expenditure has been incurred to date on the study of procurement options for the possible replacement of the WE177 free-fall nuclear bomb.
§ Mr. AitkenThe warhead element of the cost is classified. Study of the procurement options for the vehicle has incurred costs to date of some £6 million.
Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number of procurement options for the possible replacement of the WE177 free-fall bomb that are currently being studied.
§ Mr. AitkenWe are continuing to study a range of possible options for the eventual replacement of WE177. The hon. Member will know that these include French and American tactical air-to-surface missiles. No decision has yet been taken.