HC Deb 26 April 1977 vol 930 cc1010-1
4. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals have been made for, or discussions commenced on, a successor, in production terms, to the MRCA, including Air Staff Target 403 for a Harrier/Jaguar replacement in 1990; what approximate estimate he makes of the research and development and production costs; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Dr. John Gilbert)

Full production of the Tornado started only last year, and it is too early to be considering its successor. Neither the Jaguar nor the Harrier will need to be replaced for some years, although feasibility studies of their replacement are being made.

Mr. Allaun

Is my hon. Friend aware that the aircraft manufacturers' private circular is already discussing this project? Secondly, is it not true that the pressure from armament firms for certain weapons helps to determine the shape and size of our colossal arms spending?

Dr. Gilbert

I was not aware of the first point that my hon. Friend makes, but I see nothing surprising in it. As for his second point—no, I do not think so. Our spending on armaments is determined by our perception of the nature of the threat and what we need to spend to meet it.

Mr. Tebbit

Which fighter aircraft does the Minister think the Royal Air Force will have in its inventory in the early 1980s to ensure air superiority over the battle-front?

Dr. Gilbert

As the hon. Gentleman knows, in the early 1980s we shall still have in service a number of existing air craft. In addition, we shall have the ADV version of the Tornado coming along in the 1980s.

Mr. Kershaw

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that what was said about the new equipment and the statement made by NATO in December last is absolutely untrue and is not within that environment at all? Is it not to be welcomed that we are having this new aero plane? Will it not fulfil over a long time the needs that we have of it?

Dr. Gilbert

I accept that by the 1990s we shall need a replacement for the Harrier and Jaguar. That is probably as far as I want to go at this stage.