§ 34. Sir A. V. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for Air if he will make a statement on the future of Fighter Command, and the part it will play in the country's defences.
33. Mr. Lucasasked the Secretary of State for Air how far he proposes to retain Fighter Command as a separate entity within the structure of the Royal Air Force; and whether he will make a statement regarding its future.
Mr. WardNo change is contemplated in the status of Fighter Command, which will continue to perform the rôle defined in paragraph 33 of Defence White Paper Command 363.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that statement will be received with great satisfaction, because it has been mentioned in the Press and rumoured that the Minister of Defence would attempt to cut Fighter Command? May we have a definite assurance about this, because these things have a bad effect on morale and recruitment?
Mr. WardThe facts are as I have stated. There is a continuing need for Fighter Command in the circumstances described in the White Paper.
§ Mr. de FreitasIs not it a fact that it was only because of the far too optimistic statement by Ministers as to the performance of missiles that this uncertainty in Fighter Command has been allowed to develop? Is the Secretary of State aware that those of us who study this problem certainly welcome his statement today?