HC Deb 16 June 1958 vol 589 cc670-1
37. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Supply what new orders have been placed, or are about to be placed, for transport aircraft to enable the Royal Air Force Transport Command to undertake trooping operations.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

No new orders for large aircraft for Transport Command have been placed since the contract for Britannias was increased to twenty at the end of last year. As the House knows, however, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air is currently examining operational requirements.

Mr. Beswick

May we take it that when the Minister of Defence said the other day that in future Transport Command would be carrying out trooping operations, he was talking a little prematurely and there is no indication of any immediate orders for further transport aircraft?

Mr. Jones

I am afraid I am not here to answer for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence.