§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the combined total amount of expenditure on spare parts for Harrier and Chinook aircraft in each year since 1979.
§ Mr. AitkenThe information requested could not be provided without disproportionate effort and expense. I will write to the hon. Member.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy relating to the release of official information on expenditure for spare parts for defence equipment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenOfficial information on expenditure for spare parts for defence equipment may be released subject to the constraints of commercial confidentiality and security. The Department's total expenditure in recent years on equipment, including spare parts, is published annually in "Defence Statistics". Expenditure plans for the forthcoming financial year, including those for spare parts, are contained in the annual supply estimates.