§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current position and available options on the Nimrod advanced early warning project.
§ Mr. Norman LamontWe have completed our technical evaluation of the options for the further development of the Nimrod AEW mission system avionics to an acceptable standard of operation. We are currently evaluating GEC Avionics' proposals to cover this work.
§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the cost to the Government of cancellation of the Nimrod advanced early warning project; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman LamontWe are currently evaluating GEC Avionics' proposals for the completion of the Nimrod AEW mission system avionics to an acceptable standard of operation. In the event of cancellation the question of cancellation charges would be a matter for negotiation with the contractors. I cannot say in advance of such negotiations what those charges might be.
§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what negotiations he has had with (a) United 546W Kingdom and (b) foreign aircraft manufacturers about alternatives to the Nimrod advanced early warning system; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Norman LamontNone.