§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what action is being taken to ensure continued operational support for RAF Harriers following BAe's announcement of the closure of its Dunsfold factory; [89347]
(2) what assessment he has made of the effect the closure of BAe Dunsfold will have on the ongoing operational support for Royal Navy Harriers; and if he will make a statement. [89348]
§ Mr. SpellarMinistry of Defence contracts with British Aerospace for Harrier work are negotiated with, and awarded to, the British Aerospace Military Aircraft and Aerostructures Division at Warton. Work continues on existing contracts. The decision about where work is undertaken on these, or any future contracts, is ultimately a matter for the company.