§ 24. Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is yet in a position to report to the House upon the proposed sale of Harrier aircraft to China.
§ Mr. Mulley:The Government are ready to enter into negotiations for the sale of the Harrier aircraft to China as part of a balanced trade relationship.
§ 22. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many jobs will be created in British industry if the sale of the Harrier to China is authorised.
§ Mr. Mulley:I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Blaker) on 14th December 1978.—[Vol. 960, c. 350.]
§ 23. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the number of British firms which will be involved in the manufacture of Harrier jet aircraft for China if the request for such aircraft from that country is met.
§ Mr. Mulley:The negotiations on the possible sale of Harrier to China are at too early a stage for it to be possible to give any estimate of the number of British firms which will be involved.