§ 8. Mr. Croninasked the Minister for Aviation Supply what further developments are being undertaken to improve on the performance of the Harrier vertical-take-off aircraft.
§ Mr. David PriceDuring the next two years the Pegasus engines at present installed in the R.A.F.'s Harriers will be replaced by more powerful versions. We are also studying the feasibility of a further up-rating of the engine, but no decision has been made to proceed beyond this study.
§ Mr. CroninWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is a large requirement by the United States Navy for the Harrier if its payload and range are increased? Will he give the maximum priority to the development of the proposed Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine, because that would probably achieve that result?
§ Mr. AdleyCan my right hon. Friend say what anti-pollutant arguments the United States Government are putting up 398 about the Harrier, in view of the fact that they have just purchased it for their own use?
§ Mr. PriceI am not immediately aware of those arguments, but I shall look into them and write to my hon. Friend.