§ 1. Mr. HaynesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Foxhunter radar is currently performing according to its original specifications.
§ The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Mr. Alan Clark)The Foxhunter programme is proceeding by way of staged improvements under a firm price contract. Radars to an agreed interim standard are already being fitted to the Tornado air defence variant. All radars will be brought up to the full technical standard, beginning next year.
§ Mr. HaynesI do not know what this lot are messing about at. They have been at it for a number of years and have spent millions of pounds, yet we do not have the proper radar for the defence of this nation. They should be here at the Bar, and Ministers should be charged with complicity.
§ Mr. ClarkThe hon. Gentleman did not ask a question. In so far as his statement meant anything, he was wholly incorrect. We are at great pains to ensure that the proper radar is regularly upgraded. The agreed interim standard radars have been fitted and radars to the full technical standard will start next year.
§ Mr. Bill WalkerDoes my hon. Friend agree that the air defence version of the Tornado, even equipped with its present radar, is a formidable piece of defence equipment and that when the radar is made to function properly, it will be the finest of its type anywhere?
§ Mr. ClarkOf course, it is. The system in service, even with radar to the agreed interim standard, is enjoying a successful export demand.