HC Deb 05 November 1958 vol 594 cc920-1
8. Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his Department has now fully considered the potentialities of the N.A.39 aircraft; and if, with a few modifications, it will prove acceptable to the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Ward

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Dunbartonshire, West (Mr. Steele) on 30th June.

Mr. Mason

Having in mind the fact that the discussions are still proceeding on the operational requirements of the 339, and that, even if agreed upon, it would take between seven and ten years to produce it, would not it be advisable to accept the N.A.39 with slight modifications at present, while keeping the 339 in mind?

Mr. Ward

It really is not possible to simplify the issue quite as much as that. There are so many factors to be considered—the tasks we foresee, the various ways in which they can be met, and the length of life of the Canberra, which has still got quite a lot of useful life in it. The important thing is to get the right answer, and I assure the hon. Gentleman that we are giving the matter very careful study.

Mr. Mason

Would the life of the Canberra be at least seven years?

Mr. Ward

I should not like to be specific on that, but certainly the later marks of the Canberra have got several years of useful life.