§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress is being made in the proposals to sell or lease Royal Navy Sea Harriers to the Royal Australian Navy; and what effects any such deal will have upon the proposed sale of HMS "Invincible".
§ Mr. PattieWe understand that if the Australians buy "Invincible" the Royal Australian Navy plans only to operate anti-submarine helicopters from the ship. It is continuing to monitor the development of vertical take-off and landing aircraft of the Harrier type in order to decide whether to acquire this capability. We believe the capability of the ship will be much enhanced by the acquisition of Sea Harriers and will continue to press the virtues of such a solution.