HC Deb 29 June 1998 vol 315 c10W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when is the anticipated delivery date of the C130-J aircraft; when it was originally due to be delivered; what compensation has been offered for its late delivery; and if he will cancel the order of C130-Js due to late delivery. [46822]

Mr. Spellar

On current plans, the Ministry of Defence will receive delivery of the first aircraft for test and evaluation in mid 1998. It was originally due to be delivered in November 1996. We will be claiming liquidated damages from the company, currently estimated at £30 million, which will be used to offset the additional costs incurred by the MOD. We have no plans to cancel the contract.