§ 81. Sir T. Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Defence what would be the estimated extra saving in defence costs in 1969–70 if the decision were made to order a full buy of Spey-engined Mirage IVs rather than F111As to replace the cancelled TSR2s; and whether the price of the F111As has been agreed with the manufacturers and the United States Government.
§ Mr. HealeyAt this stage in the Defence Review I cannot say, but the hon. and gallant Member must not assume either that these two aircraft equate on a one for one basis in terms of operational performance or that costs could be calculated on such a basis. As regards the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend the Minister of210W Aviation and I negotiate with the United States Government, not the manufacturers, and the cost of any purchases of F111 aircraft is a matter for agreement with the former.