HC Deb 14 February 1968 vol 758 cc1344-5
38. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Harriers will join the Royal Air Force this year; how many are to be manufactured for the Royal Air Force; what is the total cost; and what reduction is proposed as a result of Command Paper No. 3515.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Air Force (Mr. Merlyn Rees)

No reduction is proposed in the 70 Harrier aircraft on order for the R.A.F. Deliveries should start early 1969 as planned. Aircraft costs will be subject to the outcome of the negotiations referred to by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Ministry of Technology, in reply to Questions on 6th November and 18th December, 1967.—[Vol. 753, c. 63; Vol. 756, c. 309-10.]

Sir G. Nabarro

The hon. Gentleman recently said that the front-line strength of the R.A.F. would amount in 1971 to 400 jet aircraft. Are the 70 Harriers included in that figure? Does his reply mean that something of the order of 17 per cent. of the whole front-line strength of the R.A.F. is to be represented by these Harrier aircraft?

Mr. Rees

The 70 Harriers are included, but the hon. Gentleman must take account as well of Nimrods, Jaguars and Phantoms.

Mr. Baker

Can the hon. Gentleman tell the House how many sales to overseas countries he anticipates for Harrier aircraft?

Mr. Rees

Not at the moment, but this is a remarkable aircraft and one has hopes that there will be overseas sales.

Mr. Corfield

Can the Minister clarify the position? Is there a firm contract? Have terms been approved? Is the company in a position to go ahead with production.

Mr. Rees

The responsibility here lies with the Minister of Technology. We are satisfied that all is well in this respect. An incentive production agreement has yet to be agreed.

Mr. Powell

The hon. Gentleman said that these aircraft were on order: is that true or not true?

Mr. Rees

It is true.