§ 7. Mr. Goodhewasked the Secretary of State for Defence by what date he expects the Spey-engined Phantom aircraft to be in squadron service in the Royal Air Force, and how this date compares with that estimated for the P1154 at the time of its cancellation.
§ Mr. HealeyI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Answer I gave to the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Sir A. V. Harvey) on 2nd June.
§ Mr. GoodhewIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the Government, having stated that they would not take the P1154 because of the time-scale factor, will have this other aircraft in service at an earlier date, because this is important, apart from the cost, which also looks as if it might be doubtful?
§ Mr. HealeyThe hon. Gentleman will be glad to know that, owing to the decision taken by Her Majesty's Government for the Phantom instead of the P1154, the R.A.F. will have a supersonic aircraft of the nature it requires fully delivered four years earlier than under the former Government's programme.