HC Deb 27 March 1957 vol 567 cc1141-2
40. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for Air when the Royal Air Force Canberras stationed in Germany were equipped to carry tactical atomic bombs.

Mr. Ward

They are in process of being so equipped.

Mr. de Freitas

Has not the Secretary of State read the statement attributed to the Royal Air Force Commander-in-Chief in Germany? How much longer will it be necessary for us, in order to find out what has been done in the Royal Air Force, to read in American and Dutch newspapers particulars about the armament and equipment of the Royal Air Force in Germany?

Mr. Ward

The statement was made by the Commander-in-Chief in reply to a question addressed to him by the Press. I have drawn his attention to the need to avoid making comments of this kind without proper authority.

Mr. de Freitas

That is not the point. Will the right hon. Gentleman please look into this? It is the second time within the last couple of months that important information, which we in the House have been denied, has come from American and Dutch journalists concerning the Royal Air Force for which we pay and for which we expect to have responsibility?

Mr. Ward

I must express my regret to the House about this, and I have drawn the attention of the Commander-in-Chief to it. I had every intention of announcing this as soon as I could.