§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost to public funds of the eight additional Nimrod anti-submarine aircraft currently under construction for the Royal Air Force; and what is to be their future having regard to his statement on 3rd December that there is to be a reduction in the number of maritime patrol aircraft.
§ Mr. JohnAs indicated in the Eighth Report of the Expenditure Committee published earlier this year, these aircraft were originally ordered early in 1972 as part of a series of measures to stimulate employment. Their cost was estimated at £442 million at September 1973 prices. We are examining the eventual use of these aircraft in the light of the defence review and other considerations.