§ 8. Mr. Mulleyasked the Secretary of State for Air to what extent our contribution to the Second Tactical Air Force meets the undertaking given in the modified Brussels Treaty; and if he will make a statement as to the future rôle of Royal Air Force, Germany.
§ Mr. AmeryOur Air Forces in Germany accord with our Treaty commitments.
As regards the second part of the Question, it is our policy to concentrate on the strike and reconnaissance roles.
No change in this policy is planned.
§ Mr. MulleyThe Treaty talked about the provision of a tactical air force. Since 1955 there have been substantial reductions in the strength of R.A.F., Germany. Will the Secretary of State say by how many we have reduced? Will he give an assurance that there is no intention to reduce the existing strength of R.A.F. Germany?
§ Mr. AmeryThe hon. Member will not expect me to give exact figures of the number of aircraft. There has been no reduction, but some strengthening, in hitting power, although there has been a reduction in the overall number of aircraft. This results from the fact that, with the introduction of more modern aircraft, a smaller number of aircraft is able to hit harder than the larger number we had before.