HC Deb 27 February 1963 vol 672 cc1237-8
13. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Air if, in view of the change in Her Majesty's Government's nuclear policy, he will organise a series of refresher courses for officers of Bomber Command.

Mr. H. Fraser

Training in Bomber Command is continuous.

Mr. Hughes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of a statement made recently by the chairman of the Conservative Party Defence Committee that the morale of Bomber Command has never been lower? How far does the right hon. Gentleman agree with that?

Mr. Fraser

My hon. and gallant Friend was a distinguished member of the Royal Air Force, but on this point am in day-to-day contact with Bomber Command and I take an entirely different view.

Sir C. Osborne

By how much will Bomber Command be reduced when Polaris is in full action?

Mr. Fraser

That remains to be seen. It will be a question obviously for after 1970. Up to 1970 Bomber Command will carry the main weight of the British deterrent. After that, we must look at the world situation and decide accordingly.