Tornado Aircraft

Mr. Cryer
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total cost at current prices (a) of the Tornado aircraft fleet and (b) of spares in stock and ordered; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sainsbury
For the cost of the Tornado programme, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip, Northwood ( Mr. Wilkinson) on 20 February last, at column 875. The value of spares in stock and currently on order is estimated at £636 million at current economic conditions.