Biggus,
The budget is all about choices - hard choices, but choices nonetheless. I heard a figure of £100m to upgrade the three MRA4 test airframes to operational configuration, whilst Boarding Score Alliance (or Continuity in Education Allowance, if you prefer) is (source: bar int) costing us £200m p.a..
Now, I've seen neither of the figures, so cannot vouch for veracity of either (this is a rumour network, after all....) but if either are close to accurate, I'd take the MRA4 upgrade over boarding schools every day and twice on Sunday.
(Cue much outraged ranting.)
These are difficult decisions, no doubt. But tough times require it.
Now, back to the important things - ie, the 5th Test!
S41