§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the original estimated cost of the Hawk Trainer Replacement Airframe Programme; what is the cost expected to be on completion; what is the end date for this contract; and if he will make a statement. [122374]
§ Dr. MoonieEarly estimates suggested that the cost of the programme would be of the order of £160 million. A contract for the work was awarded to BAE SYSTEMS in December 1998. Details of the contract are commercially sensitive, but the value was of the order of £120 million (VAT inclusive). The programme commenced in July 1999. The first aircraft was returned to service, ahead of schedule, in April of this year. The programme is due to be completed by January 2004.