§ 22. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Air to what extent he is now co-operating with the American Air Strategic Command.
§ Mr. C. I. Orr-EwingAs the Prime Minister indicated in answer to Questions from the hon. Member for Barnsley (Mr. Mason) on 17th and 22nd April, there is close operational co-ordination between Bomber Command and Strategic Air Command.
§ Mr. HughesHas the Minister read the recent statement by General Griswold, who is in charge of the American Strategic Air Command, who said that no aeroplanes carrying nuclear weapons leave the ground? Is this also the policy of Her Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingThe conditions under which nuclear weapons are carried over this country were made very clear by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in an earlier statement. I have nothing to add to that statement.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyIs not my hon. Friend aware that some of the hon. Member's right hon. Friends will shortly be visiting Strategic Air Command, and will he tell them to inform him of what goes on, because he will find that there is close co-operation?
§ Mr. MasonIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the recent agreement between the Canadian and American Air Forces, particularly in regard to the use of nuclear missiles without inter-Governmental consultation if there is an enemy attack? Have Her Majesty's Government had consultations, and does the same apply here?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingThat is another question, but there is no Ministerial responsibility for agreements made between Canada and the United States.