HC Deb 02 June 1965 vol 713 cc1706-8
22. Sir J. Eden

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the military requirement for which the TSR2 was developed; whether this requirement still exists; and what aircraft will now be provided to meet it.

27. Mr. A. Royle

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if the range and bomb capacity of the Buccaneer is satisfactory for its operational tasks as a Canberra replacement both in Europe and east of Suez; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Healey

The TSR2 was under development as a Canberra replacement in order to give the Royal Air Force a continued long-range tactical strike and reconnaissance capability. This requirement still exists, but a precise definition of the tasks of the Canberra replacement will not be possible until a later stage of the current defence review. The subsequent decision as to how the R.A.F.s requirement will be met will then depend on what type or types of aircraft can best and most economically discharge these defined tasks.

Sir J. Eden

Is it not the fact that for the future the reconnaissance rôle for which the TSR2 was designed will be of very particular importance, and in order to discharge this rôle in the likely state of defences, the ability to follow the contours of the ground must be available to the aircraft? If the right hon. Gentleman is to await the outcome of his review before making any decision on what aircraft is to take the place of the cancelled TSR2, what is the purpose of his holding an option on the American F111A?

Mr. Healey

To answer the second half of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question first, the purpose of taking out the option is to enable us, if we require an aircraft with the capability of the F111A, to buy it, and we shall take the decision on whether we take up the option by the end of the year.

On the earlier part of the hon. Gentleman's question, he will be well aware that although in general terms what he says is correct, in practice the question is what are the targets and the likely defences those targets will be covered by, and what are the bases from which the aircraft will operate on land or sea. The answer to those questions depends on a careful study of commitments. That study has not yet been completed, but it will be completed in time to take out the option on the F111A if we so desire.

Mr. A. Royle

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that all officers and men of the Royal Air Force are very worried about the Government's dilatory attitude to the weapons system? Can he say when we can expect a firm decision in the matter of the Canberra replacement, and, when that decision is taken, will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the aircraft will fulfil the tasks that the Air Staff consider necessary?

Mr. Healey

Of course, I give the latter assurance. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that a decision will be taken by the end of this year. As to the first part of the supplementary question, my experience is that R.A.F. aircrew and the R.A.F. generally are absolutely delighted that the present Government have guaranteed to meet their needs in so many respects so quickly, and are going to meet their needs years earlier than there was any chance of meeting them under the aircraft programme of the previous Administration.

Mr. Rankin

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any of the unique and almost revolutionary features of the TSR2 will be incorporated into other aircraft?

Mr. Healey

Yes, Sir. I have already told the House that, for example, the reconnaissance pack developed for the TSR2 is likely to be introduced into a number of aircraft in the reconnaissance rôle.

Mr. Lubbock

In this review will the right hon. Gentleman consider to what extent the high altitude reconnaissance rôle of the Canberra can be met with satellites carrying high precision cameras? What steps are the Government taking to ensure that we do not get left out in this field?

Mr. Healey

One considers to what extent these rôles can be met by satellites, but I would point out that we are talking here about tactical strike and reconnaissance, and nobody has yet come up with any idea for using satellites in this rôle.