§ 27. Mr. G. Brownasked the Secretary of State for Air approximately how many AW.660 aircraft will be ordered for the Royal Air Force; whether they will be used to replace some of the existing variety of types of transport aircraft; and whether he will make a statement on Government policy for the future equipment of the Royal Air Force Transport Command.
Mr. WardThe AW.660 is being ordered to supplement our existing transport aircraft. I am not at present in a 191 position to say how many may be ordered. The question of a strategic freighter is still being studied.
§ Mr. BrownIs the Secretary of State setting a new record for decisions which he is not in a position to announce or say anything about? Having ordered this aircraft, surely he knows, and would he not like to tell the House, how many the Army will need the Air Force to operate to carry its provisions? Surely he would like to tell the House whether this will replace any existing aircraft? Cannot he tell us anything about it, or does he take all his decisions in a vacuum?
Mr. WardI have already said that this aircraft will supplement the existing aircraft in Transport Command. It will add to the already very considerable airlift capacity of Transport Command.
§ Mr. BrownThen do I understand that the Valettas and the Hastings and all the rest will go on and on? Is there no policy on the part of Her Majesty's Government about R.A.F. Transport Command?
Mr. WardThe right hon. Gentleman knows that the Beverley has still got a very useful life ahead of it. There is no reason to discard it at the moment. Eventually when it does become worn out it may be necessary to order some more of these to replace it, but for the time being this aircraft will be used to expand the lift of Transport Command.
§ Mr. BrownDo I understand that all these decisions are being left for us to take when we take over?