Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 15 February 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 February 1999. It was answered by Doug Henderson (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 February 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the (a) 1,000 pound and (b) 540-pound free-fall bombs will receive an upgrade package; how much his Department expects to spend in 1999-2000 on the upgrading of the stock of free-fall conventional bombs; and if he will make a statement on the Staff Target Air/Sea 1248 programme; what is his assessment of the accuracy of the Air Force and Navy's 540-pound and 1,000-pound bombs (a) currently and (b) after the proposed upgrade package.

Secondary information