Written question asked by Lord Clark of Windermere (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 December 1996. It was answered by Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 December 1996 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: What was the original estimated cost at today's prices of the Army's Bowman radio system; what is the current estimated cost of the Bowman system; what was the original in-service date; and what is the current estimated in-service date of the system. - Figures given.

Answer: Mr. Allason: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his current estimate of the cost of the Bowman project; and what was the original estimated cost. [8350] Dr. David Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the original estimated cost at today's prices of the Army's Bowman radio system; what is the current estimated cost of the Bowman system; what was the original in-service date; and what is the current estimated in-service date of the system; and if he will make a statement. [8464] Mr. Arbuthnot: The original estimated cost of the Bowman project when the first stage of feasibility studies was approved in 1988 was £1.5 billion, which is equivalent to £2.1 billion at current prices. The current estimate of the cost of the Bowman project is £1.9 billion. The original estimated in-service date was December 1995. The current estimated in-service date is March 2002.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 8464; 287 c267W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Defence Army Costs Engineering Procurement Radio BOWMAN combat radio system
Contains statistics: Yes