§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Sea Harrier replacement study; and when he expects the study to be completed. [9419]
§ Mr. SpellarWork is under way to consider whether and how to replace the capability currently provided by the Sea Harrier when these aircraft reach the end of their service lives early next century. As part of this work, we are participating in the four-year concept demonstration phase of the US joint strike fighter programme which began last November and is aimed at developing a family of advanced combat aircraft in approximately the right time scale. This phase is expected to be completed around the turn of the century. We are also investigating other possible options.