§ 25. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Air what is his estimate of the cost of the latest Vulcan and Victor bombers.
Mr. WardIt would be contrary to established practice to give precise figures, but in very general terms the cost of the aircraft now on order is likely to range between £700,000 and £1 million.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Minister really think that, at a time when rockets are playing such an important part in the new type of warfare, these machines are now either obsolete or nearly obsolete, and is he not spending a large amount of public money without sufficient reason for it?
Mr. WardNo, Sir. These aircraft are still, and will be for some time to come, the main part of the British deterrent.