§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the reasons for the delay in the implementation of the new command and control systems and related computers at Fleet headquarters, Northwood and on the consequences of the delay;
(2) what assessment he has made of the implications of the cause and consequences of delay in the implementation of the new command and control systems and related computers at Fleet headquarters, Northwood for the new generation of RAF command and control systems and related computers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButlerThe delays in implementing the new command and control systems and related computers at Fleet headquarters, Northwood, arise from late completion of the works programme and underestimation of the complexity of the development. The consequence is that improvements to our command and control capabilities are being implemented more slowly than we had hoped. The hon. Member will understand that I cannot give details of the consequences of the delay for our operational capabilities.