HC Deb 17 February 1997 vol 290 c365W
Mr. Spellar

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress on awarding the contract for the Bowman project. [15807]

Mr. Arbuthnot

Procurement options for the Bowman production phase are currently being evaluated by the Ministry of Defence. A decision on the way ahead will be announced shortly.

Mr. Spellar

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate his Department has made of the extra cost of sustaining Clansman during the delay in ordering Bowman. [15808]

Mr. Arbuthnot

The net additional cost of maintaining Clansman in service owing to delays to the Bowman programme is estimated to be some £8 million.

Mr. Spellar

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the impact on operational efficiency in the Army of the delay in the Bowman project; and if he will make a statement. [15809]

Mr. Arbuthnot

We expect Bowman to enter service in 2002. Until then, the Clansman family of radios will remain in service and provide a worthwhile, though reducing, capability.