Astute Class Submarines

Mr. Jenkin
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what he estimates the lifetime cost of the Astute programme will be.

Mr. Bob Ainsworth
The current whole-life cost estimate for the Astute programme, based on a Seven Boat Class, is £42 billion (outturn, VAT inclusive where applicable), comprising £9 billion for concept, design and manufacture; £32 billion for in-service (includes crew costs, support, maintenance and spares) and £l billion for disposal.