Harrier Aircraft

HC Deb 13 July 1976 vol 915 cc359-60

19. Mr. Ford

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in discussions with the United States of America with a view to the purchase of advanced versions of the Harrier for the United States Marine Corps.

Mr. William Rodgers

The United States Navy is considering a programme for development of an improved Harrier—AV8B—for service with the United States Marine Corps. An announcement by the United States authorities on whether they have decided to proceed with the first stage of their programme is expected shortly.

Mr. Ford

Is my right hon. Friend aware that shop stewards' committees throughout the country will welcome his reply? The progress in the sales and licensing of this unique piece of British technology is to be welcomed. Will my right hon. Friend say how many people are employed on the project?

Mr. Rodgers

I endorse what my hon. Friend has said. An order of that kind would be very important in terms of licensed firms' production work and, therefore, of jobs. I cannot put a figure on jobs but I expect that it will involve several thousand.

Mr. Wall

What progress has been made on sales of aircraft to China and the Sea Harrier to Iran?

Mr. Rodgers

We are prepared to sell aircraft where they are required within the rules which the Government set down to determine defence sales. We are alert to all possibilities and will consider them all, including those mentioned by the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Tebbit

Shall we have the right Ito manufacture and sell in this country for export the versions of the Harrier which may be developed in future with the United States, or have we made over to the United States the whole of the rights in exports of that technology?

Mr. Rodgers

I cannot give an offhand answer on all the details of the contract. I think, however, that the hon. Gentleman may take it that, whereas we are hopefully selling this important technology to the United States at considerable benefit to ourselves, at the same time we shall ensure that the residual advantage of the aircraft remains with the United Kingdom.

Mr. Cronin

Will my right hon. Friend assure us that in negotiating these arrangements he will bear in mind that, despite the agreement between the Government and the United States, there has been a considerable lack of reciprocity?

Mr. Rodgers

I take my hon. Friend's point about reciprocity. There is now a two-way street, and we hope that a purchase of this kind will be part of it.