HC Deb 24 March 1971 vol 814 c526
24. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply what preparations or alterations to Harrier aircraft are being made for the operation of these aircraft at sea.

Mr. David Price

Those R.A.F. Harriers which will take part in the further trials from an aircraft carrier announced in Cmnd. 4592 will have a number of minor modifications to enable them to carry out deck operations safely.

Mr. Wall

As. the current versions of the Harrier are not suitable for prolonged operations at sea and as the R.A.F. cannot supply cover out of range of land bases for the merchant fleet or the Royal Navy, should not properly designed Harriers for operation at sea be put in hand as rapidly as possible?

Mr. Price

This is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.