27. Sir G. Nahumasked the Minister of State for Defence what is his estimate of the economy in operating costs arising from the closure of the Royal Radar Establishment at Pershore, and the commensurate economy in capital expenditure arising from the proposed removal from Pershore, respectively, to Malvern, Farnborough and elsewhere; and what is the intended overall capital economy per annum.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourThe removal of work from Pershore to the Royal Aircraft Establishment is one of an interrelated series of moves announced in the 1973 Statement on Defence Estimates which in total are estimated to cost a
80Wadded to the forward programme during the twelve months ending 31st March, giving the estimated economic rate of return in each case.
§ Mr. PeytonThe following bypass schemes estimated to cost more than £1 million have been added to the firm roads programme in England during the 12 months ending 31st March 1973:
net non-recurring £3.5 million and produce an annual saving of £1.3 million.
The Pershore site, however, is not to be closed. Part of it will be retained for work being transferred from the Signals Research and Development Establishment at present at Christchurch, Hampshire.