asked the Minister of Aviation what is the number and value of export orders won by Short Brothers and Harland for the Seacat anti-aircraft missile.

The firm has so far received six orders from overseas countries. These are worth some £3 million. Negotiations for further orders are in progress.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this has been a most successful venture and shows how skilled we are in Northern Ireland in undertaking tasks like this? Is he also aware of the value to training in electronics of work like this being placed in Northern Ireland?

I very much agree with what my hon. Friend has said. There is a tendency in considering guided weapons for public opinion to concentrate on the failures. I am glad that my hon. Friend has underlined one of the outstanding successes.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind particularly the need for additional finance being made available to finance the development of a missile to take the place of Seacat when it has become out-dated?

We have already advanced £10 million to Short Bros. and Harland for the completion of the Belfast and Seacat programme.