HC Deb 31 March 1977 vol 929 cc256-7W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the most recent estimate of cost of the Boeing AWACS and the Nimrod AEW.

Mr. Mulley

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave on 23rd March to a similar Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Blackley (Mr. Rose). I would also refer the hon. Member to my statement to the House on airborne early warning this afternoon.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the performance of the Nimrod AEW and confirm that it is able to operate effectively over both land and water.

Mr. Mulley

The Nimrod AEW has been designed to meet the requirements of the United Kingdom air defence region and as such is particularly directed for over-sea operations, but it also has a capability over land.

Mr. Woodall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has reconsidered the purchase of the Nimrod airborne early warning aircraft in the light of the outcome of the NATO ministerial meeting on 25th March.

Mr. Mulley

I would refer my hon. Friend to my statement to the House on airborne early warning this afternoon.