§ 8. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Air why, on 19th January, eight more United States aircraft with nuclear carrying capacity were added to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation air forces in Great Britain.
Mr. WardThe B.66 aircraft which recently arrived at Sculthorpe replace a similar number of other bombers as part of a normal programme of re-equipment.
§ Mr. AllaunHas the Minister been given an assurance that these planes will not carry hydrogen bombs on patrol? Secondly, does not every additional plane of this type in Britain increase the danger of a physical or military accident at a time when hopes are centred on peace talks?
Mr. WardI have pointed out in my Answer that these are not additional aircraft but are replacements.