§ 35. Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will arrange that he shall be informed before any aircraft, whether British or United States, takes off from a Royal Air Force airfield on a flight the plan of which indicates that it will pass near Soviet territory.
Mr. WardAs I explained on Monday in reply to the hon. Member for Brixton (Mr. Lipton), the flight plan procedure is concerned with safety and identification. I am not myself dependent on these routine procedures for information about the flying activities of the Royal Air Force. So far as the United States Air Force is concerned, I do not think I should add anything to what the Prime Minister told the House yesterday and on 12th July.
§ Mr. de FreitasIn present circumstances, and particularly in view of General White's fantastic statement yesterday, is the right hon. Gentleman telling us that American aircraft can take off from Royal Air Force bases on flights for destinations which the Secretary of State does not even know about? If so, is not that extraordinary and should not it stop?
Mr. WardI did not say that. All that I have been saying is that I do not think that it would be right for me to comment on existing procedures concerning American aircraft at a time when discussions on this very point are proceeding in Washington.
§ Mr. de FreitasIn these discussions, will not the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that he is responsible to this House for what happens at R.A.F. stations? Surely it is wrong that aircraft should take off from these stations and go to destinations which the right hon. Gentleman does not even know about.