HC Deb 02 June 1965 vol 713 cc1694-5
7. Mr. McMaster

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether Great Britain will have any new aircraft available before 1970 with a nuclear strike capacity.

Mr. Healey

A decision on the type and numbers of any new strike aircraft must await the outcome of the current Defence Review.

Mr. McMaster

Is the Minister satisfied that following the hasty cancellation of the TSR2 we shall have before 1970 an effective aircraft with a nuclear capacity capable of following contours and of getting beyond the enemy's radar defence?

Mr. Healey

I am quite satisfied that the defence review will ensure that we shall have aircraft adequate for all our tasks.

Mr. Orme

Will the Minister bear in mind when making this review that to replace the TSR2 with the American F111A would be an excessive cost to this country, would not benefit this country and would make a farce of the cancellation of the TSR2?

Mr. Healey

I remind my hon. Friend that even if the Government took up the maximum option permitted to them under the arrangements with the United States for the possible purchase of the F111A, this would save the country £300 million over the next 10 years compared with the TSR2. I hope that my hon. Friend does not regard £300 million as a nugatory saving.

Mr. Soames

The Minister will appreciate that this Question refers only to aircraft available before 1970 which I take it does not include the F111A. Will he confirm that the Phantom will have a nuclear capability?

Mr. Healey

If the option is taken up the F111A will be on squadron service before 1970.

Mr. Frank Allaun

Is the Minister aware that if the Government cut their military coat according to their cloth they will receive widespread public support? If it were right to cut the TSR2, as we believe it was, is it not even more right to stop the F111A, because that, too, involves our international balance of payments?

Mr. Healey

I believe that the job of the Government, and in particular of the Secretary of State for Defence, is to ensure that our forces have the equipment required to carry out the job with which the nation has entrusted them. This I intend to do.

Mr. Soames

I should be grateful if the Minister would answer the question whether the Phantom will have a nuclear capability.

Mr. Healey

The Phantom will be capable of carrying nuclear bombs. Whether it is required to do so will depend on the outcome of the defence review.