PURCHASE OF E-2C PLANES

Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister of Defence and Second Minister for Health (a) whether the purchase of the four E-2C planes from the United States of America has now been finalised; (b) does he now have the precise financial cost to Singapore in the purchase of these planes; (c) is Singapore now committed to purchasing these planes; and (d) when will they be delivered.

Mr Goh Chok Tong: The Ministry of Defence has finalised and is committed on the purchase of the E-2C planes and supporting equipment and spare parts from the United States of America. The purchase is on a Government-to-Government basis at an estimated cost of less than US$450 million. The planes will be delivered by 1987.