§ Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Defence what account he is taking of the effect on employment of the manufacture of Harrier jet aircraft for China if the request for such aircraft from that country is met; and what estimate he has of the jobs thereby created.
§ Mr. MulleyThe effect on employment is one of the many factors which are taken into account when considering whether or not to approve individual sales of military equipment. The negotiations on the possible sale of Harrier to China are at too early a stage for it to be possible to give any meaningful estimate of the jobs which might be created.