HC Deb 22 April 1987 vol 114 c590W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the cost of United Kingdom air defence ground environment to date.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The cost of the improved UKADGE system has been to date: £348 million (FY 86–87 prices) for the command and control system, new radars and communications. In addition, £44 million (outturn prices) has been spent for associated work services. The contracts for the system are at fixed prices. Some 50 per cent. of the overall cost will be recovered from NATO.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when United Kingdom air defence ground environment will be completed.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The improved UKADGE system will be progressively brought into operation within the next few years. Our priority throughout the transition from the old to the new system will be to ensure that the United Kingdom air defence system will remain fully operational and effective.