§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the approximate estimated increase in the purchase price of the air-launched anti-radiation missile caused by the problems with its motor; if there will be an inquiry into the causes of this increase in costs and if British Aerospace will be meeting this additional cost.
§ Mr. SainsburyThe increase in the purchase price of ALARM caused by problems with the rocket motor is substantial. British Aerospace is meeting a significant part of the additional costs and the programme is continuing at no financial risk to the Department. Precise details of this arrangement are a commercial matter between the Department and BAe. I do not propose to hold any further inquiry into the causes of the increase in cost.