§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the purpose of the large phased-array radar system being installed at Fylingdales RAF station; when installation work started; what is the total cost of the installation; whether the United States of America is making any financial contribution to this installation; 205W whether the phased-array radar is to become part of a battle management system linked to the SDI programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonI refer the hon. Member to the answers my hon. Friend the Member for Romford (Mr. Neubert) gave the hon. Member for Denton and Reddish (Mr. Bennett) on 20 June 1989 at column71. Installation work for the modernised facility started in August 1989, and at present exchange rates is expected to cost in the order of £160 million, of which the United States will pay in the order of 70 per cent. for the radar, and the United Kingdom approximately 30 per cent. for the supporting infrastructure. The modernised radar will provide an improved early warning system. It will not form part of a battle management system linked to the SDI programme.