§ 29. Mr. Nelsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he anticipates that the specifications for the aircraft to replace the Royal Air Force's Jaguars and Harriers will provide for short takeoff and vertical landings; and what is his target date for completing this replacement.
§ Mr. WellbelovedThese specifications are still under consideration and it is too early to say whether they will include short take-off and vertical landing. The date for completion of the replacement will be determined by the type of aircraft selected and by the procurement method to be adopted.