Glad Rag,
Sorry, but the SHAR was not 'binned' by the Navy. It was 'binned' by MoD Centre, having been offered up as a savings measure by the RAF. After formation of JFH, the Sea Harriers were transferred from the Navy section of the Military Aircraft register to the RAF section. The SHARs were fully owned by the RAF when they were canned.
The operating funds for the Sea Harriers were also transferred to the RAF, who had made the commitment to maintain the SHAR force after formation of JFH. After SHAR was 'binned', a similar commitment was made by the RAF to maintain the GR7/9 fleet.
So, let's get this straight. The RN transferred their funds for SHAR to the RAF. The RAF then offered SHAR up as a savings measure to fund the GR7/9 programme, which had run seriously over budget. The GR7/9 was then canned to fund - well, take your pick, but I'd suggest that Tornado and Typhoon were both strapped.
It won't happen now, but if the MoD did decide to give GR7/9s back to the RN, the funds would follow - just like happened back on formation of JFH.
Best Regards as ever
Engines