§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning current progress on the Phoenix unmanned surveillance aircraft; when he plans to make an announcement concerning its future; and what is the current estimated cost of the project. [25799]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe Phoenix prime contractor, GEC-Marconi Avionics, has recently completed, at its own expense, the agreed programme of work described by my predecessor on 5 April 1995—Official Report, columns 1139-40. The results are now being assessed, and I hope to make an announcement about the future of the project before the summer recess. The estimated cost of procuring the system is £227 million at 1994–95 price levels.