HC Deb 12 February 1990 vol 167 c116W
Mr. Macdonald

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has in regard of the relative costs of the SCRAM-T missile and the Anglo-French air-to-surface missile; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

I assume that the question relates to the assessment of options for the replacement of the WE177 free-fall bomb. These studies are continuing, and it is not yet possible to identify potential costs with any accuracy. However, company costs will be commercially confidential and, in accordance with normal procedures, will not be made public.

Mr. Macdonald

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make the final decision on the replacement for the WE177 bomb with a tactical air-to-surface missile.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Wyre (Mr. Mans) on 24 October 1989 at column429.