§ 34. Mr. Wilkinsonasked the Minister of State for Defence whether the amphibious forces are to be provided with their own close air support when the Royal Navy inventory of strike carriers is reduced to a single vessel as presaged in paragraphs 15 to 17 of the Supplementary Statement on Defence Policy, 1970.
§ Lord BalnielOur plans will continue to provide for the amphibious forces to receive air support appropriate to the operations in which they are engaged.
§ Mr. WilkinsonWill my right hon. Friend consider, when "Hermes" is converted 602 to a commando rôle, equipping her both with Jaguar and with Harrier aircraft, which will provide close support as Marines go ashore and help equip forward groups in the beach-heads?
§ Lord BalnielWe have no plans for purchasing the marine version of the Jaguar, but we are studying the possibility of operating V/STOL aircraft from ships of this nature, but we have not made a decision at the moment.
§ Dr. David OwenWould the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the previous Administration decided to operate V/STOL aircraft in a trial rôle off H.M.S. "Hermes" when she had been converted to a commando carrier?
§ Lord BalnielI believe that the hon. Gentleman is right. As I said, we are studying the possibility of such operations at the moment.