HC Deb 04 November 1986 vol 103 cc431-2W
Mr. Soames

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether the Nimrod AEW mission system avionics are now operating at an acceptable standard;

(2) what is his assessment of the present efficiency of the GEC avionics radar in the AEW Nimrod programme;

(3) if he is considering accepting the Nimrod AEW at a lower level of performance specification than originally required.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

I shall answer shortly.

Mr. Soames

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the latest available information of the current cost of the AEW Nimrod programme.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

To date, some £930 million (VAT included) at current prices has been spent or committed on the Nimrod AEW project.