§ Mr. MansTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he proposes to take to maintain the capability of the Royal Navy's Sea Harrier force.
§ Mr. AitkenIn order to sustain the Royal Navy's Sea Harrier force well into the future, I am pleased to announce the decision to purchase a total of 18 new FRS2 aircraft and to convert a further five FRS1s to FRS2 under the current mid-life update programme. Contracts for the programme are being placed as satisfactory terms are agreed, under the Department's no acceptable price, no contract—NAPNOC—procedures, in order to secure best value for money. The contract for the 18 new aircraft has now been placed with British Aerospace at a value of some £200 million.