HC Deb 18 March 1953 vol 513 c20
34. Mr. R. Robinson

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air in what Colonies photographic reconnaissance squadrons of the Royal Air Force have made an aerial survey since the war; and to what extent it is proposed to continue with this work.

Mr. Ward

The Royal Air Force has successfully surveyed well over a million square miles of Colonial Territories since the war. I am circulating a list of the territories in the OFFICIAL REPORT. AS my hon. Friend knows, the medium range photographic reconnaissance force is being ire-equipped with Canberras and will be concentrating on conversion training. This means that we shall be unable to carry out fresh aerial surveys for some time to come.

Mr. Robinson

Will my hon. Friend give a second thought to a policy which at the same time meets the need of Air Force training and colonial development?

Mr. Ward

Yes, Sir, but this conversion training on Canberras must take place. There are still the resources of private charter companies for air survey.

Following is the list:

Aden. Northern Rhodesia.
Basutoland. Nyasaland.
Bechuanaland. Sarawak.
Gambia. Sierra Leone.
Gold Coast. Somaliland.
Kenya. Swaziland.
Malaya. Tanganyika.
Mauritius. Uganda.
Nigeria. Zanzibar and Pemba.
North Borneo.