Vulcans, Phantoms and MRCA

Oral Answers to Questions — Defence – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 11 February 1975.

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Photo of Mr Andrew Bennett Mr Andrew Bennett , Stockport North 12:00, 11 February 1975

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, on the basis of the figures referred to in his answer to the hon. Member for Stockport, North on 17th January, what is the fuel cost of flying the Vulcan and Phantom for a given period; and what, for the same period, will be the cost of flying the MRCA.

Photo of Mr William Rodgers Mr William Rodgers , Teesside Stockton

It is too soon to be sure, but we expect the MRCA to use about 40 per cent. less fuel than a Vulcan and 30 per cent. less than a Phantom on a comparable mission.

Photo of Mr Andrew Bennett Mr Andrew Bennett , Stockport North

In view of the uncertainty that the Minister expressed on this occasion and on 17th January, is he convinced that the figures which were included in the defence review are of any value?

Photo of Mr William Rodgers Mr William Rodgers , Teesside Stockton

Yes, I am. There are always uncertainties about the future performance of sophisticated equipment, but I am sure that the figures we included were the best that we could have found.

Photo of Mr Michael McNair-Wilson Mr Michael McNair-Wilson , Newbury

Is there any truth in the statement that orders for the MRCA for the Royal Air Force are to be reduced?

Photo of Mr Kenneth Warren Mr Kenneth Warren , Hastings

Is it true that the British Aircraft Corporation is refusing to put money into the project while that company is under the threat of nationalisation?

Photo of Mr William Rodgers Mr William Rodgers , Teesside Stockton

I assume that that must be a legend, too.