§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what slippage has occurred in the date of full operational capability for the improved United Kingdom air defence ground environmental system since 1977;
(2) what elements of the improved United Kingdom air defence ground environmental system are already in operation.
§ Mr. Ian StewartThe improved United Kingdom air defence ground environment system is being introduced into service progressively over a number of years, in accordance with a plan which takes account of the need to maintain a continuous operational capability as the transition from the old to the new is accomplished. Not surprisingly for a system involving as many complex elements as this, there has been some slippage; costs have, however, remained within the terms of the fixed or firm 309W price contracts under which the system has been developed. The bulk of the equipment has already been built and installed with some elements of the system already in service use. The remaining elements will be introduced into service during the next few years.