HL Deb 15 March 1979 vol 399 cc747-8
Lord GISBOROUGH

My 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 how the cancellation of the AV8B will affect the British Harrier development programme.

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, cancellation of the AV8B programme, if subsequently confirmed, will have little or no effect on the current British Harrier development programme.

Lord GISBOROUGH

My Lords, may I thank the noble Lord for that answer? Is he able to say whether we have the technology and capacity to produce major carbon fibre airframe components in this country, and when it is estimated that aircraft with this advanced technology will be available for the Royal Air Force?

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, work is in hand to develop this country's capacity to manufacture and incorporate major carbon fibre components in future military aircraft and, if shown to be cost effective, in existing aircraft as well. It is too early to say when aircraft with similar technology will be used in RAF aircraft.

The Earl of KIMBERLEY

My Lords, is the noble Lord able to say when the development of the Harrier with the new big wing, announced in today's Daily Telegraph, will take place? Secondly, if the Marines order for the AV8B is postponed and work could be done, would it not make the factory at Weybridge available for producing 100 Harriers to sell to China?

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, the Sea Harrier is currently under development for the Royal Navy. In addition, preliminary studies into the feasibility of fitting a large wing on existing aircraft for the RAF, to improve the range, pay load and manoeuvreability have been completed. Studies to refine wing design are proceeding. Regarding China, I have nothing further to add to the statement made by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister in another place on 16th January.

Viscount MASSEREENE and FERRARD

My Lords, may I ask the Minister this: Is it not a fact that the reason why we cannot expand Harrier production is the industrial situation on the shop floor of the factory at Kingston-upon-Thames where the aircraft are made?

Lord STRABOLGI

No, my Lords.

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