HC Deb 11 June 1958 vol 589 cc193-4
23. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Minister of Defence the ratio of air-trooping to sea-trooping in each of the last three financial years; and whether, in view of the relative increase in the cost of sea-trooping, compared with air-trooping, he will ensure that there is an increase in the proportion trooped by air.

Mr. Sandys

Three to 2 in 1955–56, 7 to 6 in 1956–57 and 3 to 2 in 1957–58. It is the Government's policy to increase the proportion of trooping by air, during the next few years.

Mr. Bellenger

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recollect that in successive Service debates in this House we have been promised that this ratio would increase much more rapidly than seems to be apparent from what the right hon. Gentleman has just said? Cannot he give the House any hope that we intend to depend mainly on air trooping rather that sea trooping in the future to make our forces much more mobile?

Mr. Sandys

The figures that I have given show that there has been an increase. As the carrying capacity of R.A.F. Transport Command increases, the number of troopships in use will be reduced. In general, it is, I think, undoubtedly more efficient and more economical to move troops by air. Nevertheless, I am sure hon. Members will recognise that for the sake of flexibility a certain number of troopships will always have to be retained in service.

Mr. de Freitas

Does the right hon. Gentleman imply in his answer that trooping is done entirely by Transport Command? Surely it is quite another matter altogether.

Mr. Sandys

I am not saying that, but the increase in the capacity of Transport Command will help us to increase the movement of troops by air, because that is one of the ways of using the capacity of Transport Command. One wants to retain a substantial fleet of aircraft in Transport Command, and unless one uses them for ordinary routine purposes it is very wasteful.

Mr. de Freitas

In view of the announcement of the change in Government policy—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I think this is more a matter for a defence debate.

Mr. de Freitas

In view of the announcement of a change of Government policy in respect of trooping, I beg to give notice that I shall attempt to raise the matter on the Adjournment.