§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total cost of his Department's examination of the option to lease American F16 aircraft. [20458]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotIn order to ensure the achievement of value for money, the cost-effectiveness of our procurement decisions is routinely tested in a combined operational effectiveness and investment appraisal—COEIA. In the case of the decision to upgrade the Tornado F3' s weapons systems, this proposal was tested against alternative options including the lease of F-16 aircraft from the 657W United States. The estimated total cost of the COEIA was approximately £295,000. The specific costs attributable to evaluating the F-16 option are not separately identifiable.