§ 24. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will now make a statement on the provision of Harrier aircraft for the Royal Navy.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy (Mr. Peter Kirk)I cannot add to the substance of the reply I gave my hon. Friend on 17th June. Our study of the provision of Harrier aircraft for maritime use continues. The House will be informed of further progress.—[Vol. 819, c. 122–3.]
§ Mr. WallIs it not a fact that a comparatively large order from the United States Navy depends on the confidence shown by my right hon. Friend in the maritime use of this aircraft? Is it not also a fact that this aircraft has been flying for well over six years? Surely there has been time for adequate maritime evaluation. When will my hon. Friend make a statement?
§ Mr. AdleyDoes my hon. Friend realise that there is a very serious problem of confidence? Unless the Government show their confidence not only in the Harrier but in other British aircraft projects, how can we expect other countries and overseas airlines to take seriously projects in which the Government are involved?
§ Mr. KirkEqually, unless the Government could satisfy themselves absolutely of the value of this plane in the maritime rôle there would not be much point in buying it.