HC Deb 24 June 1999 vol 333 cc452-3W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has to replace stocks of Tomahawk missiles used in the Kosovo theatre; what contracts exist with the United States for replacement of Tomahawk stocks; and if he will make a statement. [87829]

Mr. George Robertson

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member.

Letter from Sir Robert Walmsley to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 24 June 1999: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about proposals for the replacement of stocks of TOMAHAWK missiles used in the Kosovo theatre, and contracts with the United States for replacement of TOMAHAWK stocks. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. The arrangements for obtaining replacement TOMAHAWK missiles for those expended in the Kosovo campaign are being discussed with the US government. The US government is approaching these discussions in a positive manner but I am unable to provide further details at present.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the(a) total expenditure by his Department on Tomahawk missiles from the United States and (b) average cost of each missile, including support costs. [87831]

Mr. George Robertson

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. and learned Member.

Letter from Sir Robert Walmsley, to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 24 June 1999: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the Ministry of Defence's total expenditure on TOMAHAWK missiles from the United States and the average cost of each missile, including support costs. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. Total expenditure on the procurement of Tomahawk missiles, under the current Foreign Military Sales case with the US, is to be some £52M. The average procurement cost per missile is just over £800K. In addition each missile is likely to need two planned refurbishments at a cost of £210K per refurbishment, but no such payments will be incurred for missiles which have been expended. Missile costs make up only a part of the overall cost of procuring the Tomahawk system. Overall costs include the procurement of the missiles, test and training systems, submarine weapon handling, and fire control systems, and provision of a mission planning and targeting facility.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Tomahawk missiles were(a) available for use by the British armed forces and (b) in stock on (i) 20 March and (ii) 16 June. [87833]

Mr. George Robertson

I am withholding the detailed information you requested under Section 1a of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Sufficient Tomahawk missiles were available throughout the conflict to enable the UK to maintain its significant contribution to the successful NATO campaign.