HC Deb 13 May 1971 vol 817 cc594-6
4. Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of State for Defence what proposals he has for up rating the Harrier.

The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Mr. Ian Gilmour)

An up-rated Pegasus engine is already in production. An even more powerful version will be available later this year.

Mr. Marten

I am grateful to know that we are beginning to uprate the Harrier. What is the position about sales to, for example, the Royal Navy and the Marines?

Mr. Gilmour

Sales have been made to the United States Marine Corps. Whether or not the Navy buys the aeroplane is, of course, under consideration. There is another Question down on this matter today.

Mr. Dalyell

Have we had the interim result of the Harrier tests from "Ark Royal"?

Mr. Gilmour

As I said, there is another Question on this almost immediately.

10. Mr. Wilkinson

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the recent evaluation of Harrier aircraft at sea.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

Trials of the Harrier in H.M.S. "Ark Royal" started on 4th May and are still in progress.

Mr. Wilkinson

Is my hon. Friend aware that it was 30 years ago this week that the first jet-powered aircraft flew in this country and that many believe the Harrier to be as much of a breakthrough as that aircraft was, but that its full versatility will not be exploited until its marine potential is brought to good effect by the Royal Navy?

Mr. Gilmour

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for reminding me of that anniversary. We shall be evaluating these trials, which are in progress, and be making a decision shortly afterwards.

Mr. Dalyell

I thank the Minister for arranging a visit for me to the "Ark Royal" at short notice. Will the evaluation be available in the Library?

Mr. Gilmour

Almost certainly not.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is my hon. Friend aware that a number of foreign navies have shown interest in this aircraft and that the chance of substantial export sales and earnings would be greatly improved if the Royal Navy would show confidence and place some firm orders?

Mr. Gilmour

We are, of course, fully aware of the export potential of this aircraft. However, we must evaluate its operational capabilities to ensure that we get value for money by employing it at sea.

Mr. Warren

May I express the hope that these trials will be accelerated, it being nine years since the first of the Harrier derivatives started tests in the "Ark Royal"? This seems a long time for us to be waiting for a break-through to the export markets which we know are there.

Mr. Gilmour

We can hardly speed up the trials because they are already taking place. They will be completed on Saturday.