§ 3. Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Air whether the safety devices incorporated in the atomic bombs supplied to the Royal Air Force by the United States of America now satisfy all Royal Air Force safety requirements.
Mr. WardNo American atomic bombs have been supplied, but arrangements and procedures agreed with the United States for the United States Air Force to hold American atomic bombs available for the R.A.F. provide for proper safety measures at all times.
§ Mr. de FreitasDoes this take account of the accident in the United States last year when considerable damage was done as a result of the falling of one of these bombs? If similar bombs are supplied to the Royal Air Force, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there are safety devices which meet the Royal Air Force standards?
Mr. WardCertainly, Sir. Exactly the same safety procedures apply in this case. But I think I ought to make it clear that these bombs have not been supplied to the Royal Air Force in the strict sense and will not be carried by the Royal Air Force in peace time.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that considerable alarm has been expressed in Stornoway and in the Western Isles about the storage of hydrogen or atomic bombs there? Could the Prime Minister—[Laughter.] That was a Freudian slip—could the Secretary of State tell us if proper safeguards will be made to ensure that the local alarm will be dispelled?
Mr. WardFull safety precautions are taken wherever these bombs are stored, even in Stornoway, if necessary.