§ 48. Mr. Masonasked the Prime Minister to what extent British-based United States bombers act on patrol or in answer to alarms independently of the Royal Air Force; and whether the British-based United States bomber force or the Royal Air Force V-bomber force has ever been alerted in a similar manner to the United States Nebraska-based force.
§ The Prime MinisterThere is close operational co-ordination between the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force. But as I explained last week, and in my statement to the House on 18th March, aircraft with nuclear weapons do 777 not patrol over the United Kingdom nor have Royal Air Force or United States Air Force aircraft based in the United Kingdom carried out alert measures similar to those described recently in the Press as taken by aircraft of Strategic Air Command based in the United States.
§ Mr. MasonAre we to take it from that reply that the nuclear-armed patrols which we have discussed so often in this House do not now take place, and that never on any occasion has the Royal Air Force V-bomber force, or the American Air Force based in this country, ever acted at any time on a similar alert to those in Nebraska?
§ The Prime MinisterI think I explained all this as fully as I could on 18th March and in another Answer. I think that if the hon. Gentleman will study my reply, he will see that it is quite complete.
§ Mr. GaitskellCan the Prime Minister say, since, apparently, it is not regarded as necessary for British-based bombers ever to be alerted in this way, why it is necessary for bombers based in North America to be so alerted?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that all that matter has been under discussion in the Security Council of the United Nations. I will carefully study the reports as soon as I can get them.