HC Deb 20 February 1957 vol 565 cc424-5
35. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Minister of Defence which members of the Air Council were present at his discussions in Washington on the supply of guided missiles; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Sandys

None, Sir.

Mr. de Freitas

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he has negotiated without being advised by the Service which will use these missiles he will run the danger of being rebuked by the Select Committee on Estimates as he was when he was at the Ministry of Supply? Will he look at this point? After all, these men will have to operate the missiles.

Mr. Sandys

Among those who attended the meetings were Aix Marshal Selway, Head of the Air Force Mission in Washington, and Dr. Cockburn, Controller of Guided Weapons and Electronics at the Ministry of Supply.

Mr. de Freitas

But is it not a fact that the Air Council has the responsibility of organising the Service which will use these missiles?

Mr. Sandys

As I explained in my earlier statement, the proposals which were made during the course of these discussions are now being considered by the two Governments. In the course of the review of these proposals by Her Majesty's Government, the Air Council is playing a major part.

38. Mr. G. Brown

asked the Minister of Defence when he expects to be able to announce the nature of the agreement concluded with the United States Government for the supply of missiles for British forces.

Mr. Sandys

I cannot at present add to my statement of 6th February.

Mr. Brown

Then something else will be in the White Paper. Is not the right hon. Gentleman prepared to say that this at least will be in the White Paper?

Mr. Sandys

There are no limits to what may be in the White Paper.

Mr. Brown

These cuts are beyond that kind of answer. This is something that will affect our ability to defend ourselves and the nature of the forces we are to pay for. Has the Minister made any agreement; or has he, in fact, come back empty-handed on this subject?

Mr. Sandys

I am hopeful that some statement may be made before the publication of the White Paper.

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