§ 6. Mr. Goodhewasked the Minister of Technology what estimate he has made of the effect on the fixed price of the Harrier aircraft on the basis that the order is doubled.
§ Mr. StonehouseNo price has yet been agreed for the Harrier, but theoretical calculations suggest that the average unit cost of 120 Harriers would be about one-eighth less than the average unit cost of 60.
§ Mr. GoodhewMay I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on recognising on this occasion that it is a question for him and not one for his colleague the Secretary of State for Defence? Has he consulted the Secretary of State for Defence on the possibility of increasing the order, since, if more will be needed for the Royal Air Force, it would be more successful to agree this now so that lower unit costs could be offered to those who wish to buy that aircraft?
§ Mr. StonehouseYes. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence is considering whether the order should be increased, but he is not yet in a position, before all the studies are complete, to make any announcement.