Fighter-Bombers

HC Deb 06 April 1960 vol 621 cc384-5

29. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Arms Control Agency of Western Union has verified whether the proposed construction of 660 supersonic fighter-bombers for Germany is in accordance with the Brussels Treaty provisions which prohibit German possession of a strategic air force.

Mr. R. Allan

The possession by the German Government of this number of aircraft of the type in question would be consistent with the revised Brussels Treaty. Therefore the only function of the Arms Control Agency in this connection would be to verify, after the aircraft had come into the possession of the German Government, that their number was consistent with the requirements of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Mr. Swingler

Does that mean that the Brussels Treaty has been amended to allow West Germany to have a strategic air force? If so, on what date?

Mr. Allan

These are not strategic aircraft. They are tactical aircraft.

Mr. Swingler

Is the report in the Guardian that these are bombers incorrect?

Mr. Allan

They are fighter-bombers for tactical use.