§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence when a contract was let for the refurbishing of Gannet XL480; to what extent the work has been carried out; whether the aeroplane is now to be scrapped before return to service; if so, why: and what has been the cost of the work done and of any further payments to be made for failure to complete the work.
§ Mr. JohnA contract for the modernisation of Gannet AEW Mk. 3 aircraft was let in August 1973. A small amount of work had been carried out on Gannet XL480 before it was decided in the light of revised operational requirements, not to proceed with its modernisation. Certain refurbished and other components have been removed from Gannet XL480 to support the remainder of the modernisation programme, but no decision has been taken on the future of the remaining shell. The costs to the Ministry of Defence have not yet been agreed with the company.