§ LORD ORR-EWINGMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether an early decision is likely on production orders of the Harrier for the Royal Navy, as such an order would greatly influence potential sales of this aircraft to other navies and would enable the production line and the design teams to be kept in being.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE (LORD CARRINGTON)My Lords, the priority to be given to this project has yet to be determined in relation to the future defence programme as a whole. A Statement will be made as soon as a decision has been taken. Meanwhile, design work is continuing.
§ LORD ORR-EWINGMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. Is it not true that a number of nations are likely to buy this aircraft if Britain goes ahead with its development? In particular, is it not true that India is likely to want some for her aircraft carrier, the "Vikrant"?
§ LORD CARRINGTONYes, my Lords, a number of countries have expressed interest in this aircraft, including India. Of course, overseas sales potential is one of the factors that one would naturally take into account when reaching a decision on this project.
§ LORD SHINWELLMy Lords, may I ask the Minister of Defence whether—although it is desirable that at some stage the Royal Navy should have an opportunity of the use of the Harrier aircraft—he can indicate what is the total expense that would be involved? Is it possible to furnish an estimate at this stage? Also, is it not true that the United States Government has displayed an interest in the Harrier aircraft, and has anything resulted from that interest?
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, we are talking about two different versions of the Harrier. The version which the United States Marine Corps has bought is, broadly speaking, the same version which is now in service in the Royal Air Force. They have bought a number of these aircraft. The maritime version to which my noble friend Lord Orr-Ewing referred is a different aircraft with a different potential, and so far nobody has bought any because we have not yet decided to go ahead with it. I do not think it is usual to say exactly what the development cost would be. In so far as we are concerned it is an aircraft which would only be changed. It is not a new aircraft and the "buy" would be comparatively small. It would not be a very expensive project.
§ THE EARL OF KINNOULLMy Lords, can my noble friend say whether any further engine development is necessary in the maritime version?
§ LORD CARRINGTONNo, my Lords.