HC Deb 30 November 1964 vol 703 cc7-8
7. Sir J. Eden

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, when the Royal Air Force is to be equipped with the TSR2 and with supersonic vertical take-off and landing aircraft; what progress is being made with crew training in both cases; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Healey

I shall be making a full statement when the Government's review of defence policy has been completed.

Sir J. Eden

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman at least give some information to the House and some idea of what is the state of his mind on these things? Could he not, for example, say what progress the advanced weapons system TSR2 is making in overcoming its inevitable teething troubles, and would he press on, as a matter of urgency, with the V.T.O.L. supersonic Hunter replacement? Would he not agree that both these projects are vital to the future of the Royal Air Force, and will he end the prevailing atmosphere of uncertainty which is doing nothing but harm?

Mr. Healey

I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman wishes me to break a precedent so firmly established by his right hon. Friend, my predecessor, the Member for Monmouth (Mr. Thorneycroft).

Mr. Ridsdale

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that because of some of the rumours that have been circulating about the TSR2, many people believe that he is going to foist the Bucanneer as a replacement for the Canberra, and will he deny this as early as possible?