§ Mr. RogersTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any Harrier GR 5 aircraft have been flown since the loss of a GR 5 in October; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanHarrier GR 5 test flying has been suspended until the cause of the accident on 22 October has been fully investigated. A board of inquiry, which was convened on 24 October, is still in progress, and flying is unlikely to be resumed before early next year.
§ Mr. RogersTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence why the order for the second batch of Harrier GR 5 aircraft has been postponed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SainsburyI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 16 November at column454. The second batch order has not been postponed and ordering is consistent with the need to maintain the manufacturing programme and aircraft deliveries.