§ 33. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Air how many U-2 aircraft he has agreed with the United States Government should be stationed in Great Britain; to what extent their flights are controlled by Great Britain; and when they will cease to be stationed here.
§ The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Hugh Fraser)Three U-2 aircraft. We have further agreed that these aircraft may carry out flights over international waters in the North Atlantic area for the purpose of atmospheric sampling and weather research. The flights are notified to the appropriate Air Traffic Control authorities. The aircraft will remain in this country until their programme is finished; and this will depend in large measure on the ending of the present series of Soviet nuclear tests in the atmosphere.
§ Mr. AllaunIn view of the three international incidents caused this year by U-2 aircraft flying over Russian territory, not to mention the Captain Powers affair, would it not be wiser to end these flights from British bases altogether?
§ Mr. FraserNo, Sir. I think that they are carrying out extremely useful research, and that research will continue until the Soviet nuclear test programme in the atmosphere ceases.
§ Mr. MasonIs the right hon. Gentleman's Department fully informed about all these patrols, particularly the flight paths?
§ Mr. FraserYes, Sir. I have examined the flight patterns myself.