§ Mr. GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he had on the future of the AV8B/Harrier GR5 on his recent visit to the United States of America.
§ Mr. SainsburyI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Secretary of State on 10 November, at column148.
§ Mr. GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Harrier GR5 aircraft have been ordered from British Aerospace; how many have so far been delivered; and how many are scheduled for delivery in each financial year up to 1995.
§ Mr. SainsburySixty-two Harrier GR5s have to date been ordered from British Aerospace, including two prototypes. Seven have been delivered, although not all of them are in RAF service. Deliveries will continue at a rate of some 20 a year until early 1990.
§ Mr. GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the AV8B/Harrier GR5.
§ Mr. SainsburySixty-two Harrier GR5 aircraft are currently on order from British Aerospace and deliveries have begun; a further order is under consideration. As far as the United States Government's position on AV8B is concerned, I would refer the hon. Member to my replies of 6 July 1987.