§ 37. Mr. Beswickasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the total number of new British jet fighters and bombers, apart from the Canberra, which have been put into operational squadron service since October, 1951.
§ Mr. BeswickIs it not a fact that there is a very big discrepancy between the substantial numbers which the hon. Gentleman said a moment ago had been delivered to the R.A.F. and the number actually in the squadrons? Can he say why it is that they are not suitable to go into squadron service?
Mr. WardThe Question deals with fighters and bombers apart from the Canberra. The hon. Gentleman knows very well that there are no jet bombers apart from the Canberra in service.
Mr. C. I. Orr-EwingWould my hon. Friend agree that the delay of six years from the moment the design study is made until an entirely new operational aircraft comes into use, is about the same in the United States as in this country, and that therefore it is not in any way exceptional? Would he also agree that we have in the Hunter an aircraft which will equal any operational fighter aircraft in the world?