§ Mr. AllasonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his current estimate of the cost of the Bowman project; and what was the original estimated cost. [8350]
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the original estimated cost at today's prices of the Army's Bowman radio system; what is the current estimated cost of the Bowman system; what was the original in-service date; and what is the current estimated in-service date of the system; and if he will make a statement. [8464]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe original estimated cost of the Bowman project when the first stage of feasibility studies was approved in 1988 was £1.5 billion, which is equivalent to £2.1 billion at current prices. The current estimate of the cost of the Bowman project is £1.9 billion. The original estimated in-service date was December 1995. The current estimated in-service date is March 2002.