§ 2.48 p.m.
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy 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 they have a requirement for a "Harrier Carrier" as proposed by Vosper Thornycroft and whether they intend to order any such vessels.
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, we have no requirement for this vessel.
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, I am obliged to the noble Lord for that reply. First, is the noble Lord satisfied that the present arrangements for taking these aircraft afloat are satisfactory? Secondly, would he not agree that, if the Government were to acquire one or more of these vessels, it would greatly enhance the sales prospects of the Sea Harrier itself, as it would provide a much better vessel for the purpose than is at present available?
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, as regards the first part of the question, the "Invincible" class of anti-submarine warfare cruiser has a much wider range of facilities than the "Harrier Carrier". The situation is that the "Harrier Carrier" is a private venture by Vosper Thornycroft, who have made a presentation to the Ministry of Defence but who have not so far asked for any assistance either of a financial or of any other nature. If they should do, the request would of course receive consideration.
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, are the Government satisfied that the vessel described as of the "Invincible" class will be satisfactory? I do not think that there are any yet in service.
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, one travels in hope, but it seems a very splendid weapons system.
§ Lord GREENWAYMy Lords, arising out of this question, have the Government considered the use of merchant ships such as large container ships and roll-on/roll-off ships for such a purpose in time of emergency?
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, that is another question, but if the noble Lord will put down a Question on this matter I will try to answer it.