§ Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the United States Government's plans for an improved version of the British Harrier vertical take-off aircraft.
§ Mr. MasonFollowing the successful operation by the United States Marine Corps of the Harrier AV-8A, the United States Deputy Secretary of Defense is today announcing that he has approved the basic flight demonstration phase of the United States Navy's proposed programme for development of the AV-8B version of the Harrier aircraft for service with the United States Marine Corps in the 1980s. As hon. Members will recall, the United Kingdom had earlier decided to develop and produce the Sea Harrier for use by the Royal Navy. If the United States decide to go ahead with full production of the AV-8B, there will be extensive work for United Kingdom industry and it would mean that two derivatives of the Harrier will be under simultaneous development, each separately funded by the respective Government. Mutual co-operation in the procurement of supplies and services and the exchange of information on these and possible future developments will be assured by continuing liaison between the two Governments.