HC Deb 23 July 1958 vol 592 cc397-8
15. Sir A. V. Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for Air what long-distance flights to Commonwealth and other countries will be undertaken by V-bombers.

The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Charles Orr-Ewing)

Weekly training flights by single V-bombers have been made to destinations such as Malta, Kenya and Aden. Similar flights will begin shortly to Canada and the United States of America. The training programme for V-bombers also includes flights to Malaya.

In addition V-bombers have so far this year carried out special flights to the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand, British Columbia, Southern Rhodesia, Kenya, Argentina, Brazil, the Philippines, Burma and Viet Nam. Special flights are also planned to Canada and the United States of America.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Would my hon. Friend confirm that most of these flights have been single flights, and will he consider sending formation flights to countries like Australia, where there is a strong American influence in all aviation matters? This could do much to obviate that and to get orders for Britain. Would he bear in mind also that the more Britain shows the flag by means of these modern aircraft, the more people will realise what this country is doing? It is as good as sending round a few old battleships and cruisers.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

In reply to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I think that probably the single training flight is the best way of getting the maximum experience for the maximum number of crews. In reply to the second part, I can think of four good reasons why we in the Air Ministry do not under-estimate the value of these flights. The first is that they strengthen links with other air forces; the second is that they give impressive proof of our independent deterrent; the third is that I think they help the sales of British aircraft and possibly the sales of other British goods as well; and the fourth is that they give the operational crews excellent experience in operating away from their home bases.