27. Mr. Leeasked the Minister of Aviation whether he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy on the Blue Steel and V-bomber programmes, and the effect of this policy on employment in the aircraft industry.
§ Mr. J. AmeryBlue Steel and the V-bombers are in service. The production programme is well advanced in both cases and will continue as planned. This will help to maintain a steady level of employment in the aircraft industry.
Mr. LeeDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is much speculation about the future of the Blue Steel programme—I am not arguing for it but merely stating the case—and that if it is the Government's intention not to proceed with it this will make a great difference to a whole range of research workers, production teams in the industry and other people who would be in great demand in other sections of engineering? These people will be thinking of their future, so will the Government make an early statement on this subject?
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonCan my right hon. Friend give an assurance on behalf of the Government that there will be no gap in the effective deterrent capacity of the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. AmeryCertainly everything the Ministry of Aviation can do to prevent that will be done, but it is a matter for the Minister of Defence to say what the gap is or could be.
§ Mr. RankinIn view of the very fine tributes paid to Blue Steel at the opening ceremonies a few days ago, why did we need to go after Skybolt? In praising Blue Steel, why did we not pay a parting tribute to Skybolt?
§ Mr. AmeryThe weapons were of a completely different conception. The object of the Blue Steel weapon—and I am speaking from my experience in another post—was to circumvent or over- 890 come local defences. Skybolt was intended to overcome area defences.