asked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are at present in force for the funding of further development of the Harrier aircraft and associated aeronics; and when these require to be renewed.

Design work on the maritime Harrier continues to be supported pending a decision on the future of the project. We are also funding an on-going programme of improvements to the aircraft in service with the Royal Air Force and continuing joint studies with the United States on possible Harrier derivatives.