§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give positive discrimination in favour of the British-designed and developed GRMK5 for the Royal Air Force; what assessment he has made of the value of this aircraft for British aviation technology and employment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieEvaluation of the two main contenders to meet the Royal Air Force requirement for an improved version of the Harrier—the British Aerospace design and the McDonnell-Douglas AV8B—is still in train. Industrial and all other relevant implications are being assessed in that process. We hope to reach a decision later this year.