§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is making arrangements to install ski-jump launching facilities for Harrier aircraft on merchant ships; and why the Royal Navy did not participate in the United States—financed Arapaho programme whereby certain British private contractors already have done this.
§ Mr. PattieThe practicability of converting a container ship for fixed wing aircraft operations, incorporating a ski-jump, is under examination.
We have taken a close interest in the Arapaho prototype helicopter operating facility being developed by the United States Navy and have indicated our desire to participate in this equipment's trials.