HC Deb 06 July 1960 vol 626 cc431-2
16. Mr. Wall

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty when he expects the first N.A.39 Squadron to be in operational service.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

It is not customary to disclose or forecast such information. I can say that the trials with several aircraft of the development batch have been going very well.

Mr. Wall

Can my hon. Friend say how the sales of this outstanding aircraft to our foreign allies are proceeding?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

That is really a question for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation, but my hon. Friend will know that it is part of Government policy under interdependence to try to interest N.A.T.O. and Commonwealth allies in now forms of armament in all the Services.

Mr. Steele

The hon. Gentleman so far has not been able to interest the R.A.F.