§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what savings in terms of equipment acquisition will be made from the decision to purchase 18 Nimrod MRA4s. [49764]
§ Dr. MoonieI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 28 February 2002,Official Report, columns 1452–53W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Broxtowe (Dr. Palmer), on the basis of current assumptions, savings in support costs are likely to be some £360 million over the in-service life of the aircraft. The savings in procurement costs arising from the current contract have yet to be finally negotiated with BAE Systems and its principal suppliers, and is a commercial in confidence matter between the relevant parties. 711W However, as my announcement made clear, we are working closely with BAE Systems to maximise the benefits brought about by this decision.