Ground-to-Ground Missiles

HC Deb 14 March 1962 vol 655 c1292

5. Mr. Wall

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what naval ground-to-ground missiles are being developed for the Royal Navy.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

The Seaslug Mk. II is being developed to have a surface-to-surface capability. This capability will be incorporated in future naval guided weapons systems as appropriate. The primary anti-surface strike weapon is, however, the aircraft. Naval aircraft are now to be fitted with the air-to-surface Bullpup.

Mr. Wall

While there may be practically no requirement for a ship-to-ship missile, will my hon. Friend bear in mind the importance of providing adequate means of supporting landing operations? Would Seaslug perform this function?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I think that in this connection it is not so much Seaslug, but we should be equipping our Commandos with the SS11, a French guided missile. I shall have more to say about this in my Estimates speech starting in about an hour's time.