HC Deb 11 February 1971 vol 811 cc773-5
17. Mr. Wilkinson

asked the Minister of State for Defence what evaluations of the Harrier have so far been made for naval and amphibious operations; and if he will make a statement.

20. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a state- ment on the progress of the sea trials of Harrier aircraft.

Lord Balniel

Trials of the Harrier have so far been carried out in a number of Royal Naval ships including aircraft carriers and a Tiger Class cruiser. A further series of trials in an aircraft carrier is planned this year.

Mr. Wilkinson

Would my hon. Friend agree that it is tragic that this potentially prophetic design for naval operations should be without honour in this country so far and is yet without orders? It opens up a whole new dimension for maritime air operations which should be exploited.

Lord Balniel

I do not think that we can look on the Harrier as being without honour, because we regard it as one of the major weapons developments of the future. The results of the naval trials must be fully evaluated and a full study must be carried out to see whether V.S.T.O.L. operation from naval ships is cost-effective.

Mr. Wall

The operation of this aircraft from ships of the Royal Navy is of vital importance to the future defence of the Navy. Is my hon. Friend aware that many people think that this is taken far more seriously in the United States than here? Will he put more effort into these trials?

Lord Balniel

I assure my hon. Friend that the trials are being proceeded with as rapidly as possible. The evaluation is a considerable undertaking. I am going, shortly, to see the next stage of the evaluation trials.

Dr. David Owen

The hon. Gentleman must be aware that the United States Marines have already ordered Harriers. The order involved very considerable Congressional criticism at the time. We should not wish to do anything to damage sales prospects, but will the hon. Gentleman ensure that the Government's attitude to the Rolls-Royce problem and the RB211 engine will take into account future Harrier orders, since the handling of the RB211 order will be very important in shaping Congressional attitudes to future Harrier orders? Will he ensure that the standing of the British aircraft industry and the honouring of commitments are put before his Ministerial colleagues in relation to defence orders for the Harrier?

Lord Balniel

I suggest that, as the Rolls-Royce situation is being debated later today, that would be the appropriate time to raise this matter.

Mr. Ramsden

Is my hon. Friend aware that what the anxiety is about is lest the hangover of the Harrier controversy in the Royal Navy should in some way prejudice the evaluation of the Harrier for ship-borne operations and result in a dragging of feet? As this may be an important technique to keep alive in the Royal Navy, will he assure us that he will not allow such dragging of feet to happen?

Lord Balniel

I can give my right hon. Friend an absolute assurance. The hangover of the dispute, as far as I sense it, no longer exists. I sense an absolute determination in the Service to make as great a success of this endeavour as it can.