Mr. Francois : Those are tank busters.
Dr. Moonie : That is the ground attack role.
Mr. Francois : So the fleet is under threat from tanks?
Mr. Deputy Speaker : Order.
Dr. Moonie : Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
Because of what the Sea Harrier was designed to do and where it was designed to operate, there are limitations on the worldwide operational deployment of the FA2. That renders it incapable of operating to its full capability for certain periods of the year in the Gulf and the middle east due to the thrust limitations of its engine. While the FA2 possesses a capable weapon system, it would also require significant investment to remain effective beyond 2005 to deal with obsolescence and shortcomings in its radar and self-protection systems. Unlike the GR7, the FA2 was not designed to be able to take the more powerful Rolls-Royce Pegasus, so any engine upgrade would carry considerable technical risk.
In the light of those considerations, my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Defence announced to the House on 28 February the Government's intention that the joint force Harrier should migrate to an all-Harrier GR force, maximising investment in one aircraft type.
Mr. Richard Bacon (South Norfolk): Will the Minister give way?
Dr. Moonie : No, I shall not. The Sea Harrier FA2 will therefore be withdrawn earlier than planned, by 2006. As a consequence of its earlier withdrawal from service, the planned relocation of Sea Harrier FA2 aircraft from RNAS Yeovilton to RAF Cottesmore and RAF Wittering in 2003 will not now proceed. The relocation of Royal Navy personnel will go ahead, but slightly later than planned, over the period 2004 to 2006. By 1 April 2007, joint force Harrier will have migrated to an all-Harrier GR9 force manned by roughly equal numbers of RN and RAF personnel.
Mr. Bacon : This is absolutely pathetic.
Mr. Deputy Speaker : Order. The Minister is not giving way.
Mr. Bacon : This is absolutely disgraceful.
Dr. Moonie : Oh dear, I am sorry, Mr. Deputy Speaker, to have so disappointed Opposition Members, but I have to give the reply that will show exactly why the decision was made—and that is what I am
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attempting to do. The decision was made in the real world, not the fantasy world that the hon. Gentleman and his colleagues seem to occupy.
The immediate urgency of the announcements made was to minimise nugatory expenditure on enabling work—
Mr. Deputy Speaker : Order. Time is up. I invite all hon. Members who are not staying to leave the Chamber quickly and quietly.