Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated date on which the Boxer system is expected to be operational; what requirements it is expected to fulfil; and what is its total estimated cost.
§ Mr. SainsburyI refer the hon. Member to paragraph 317 and table 3 of volume 1 of the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1988". The Boxer 2 communications bearer system will provide a nationwide secure and survivable communications system using new fibre-optic technology. It is not the practice to disclose the planned completion dates or estimated costs of projects which are not yet in service.