§ 7. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will give an assurance that Her Majesty's Govern- 1060 ment will not take up the option to buy United States F111 fighters in order to avoid adding a further £300 million to the balance of payments deficit.
§ Mr. MillanAs my right hon. Friend indicated to the House on 13th December, a decision on the Canberra replacement aircraft and thus on the need or otherwise to take up the F111A option will be taken as part of the Defence Review now in progress.
§ Mr. ZilliacusIn making up his mind on this subject, will the Minister's right hon. Friend bear in mind that these planes cost £3 million each in dollars, that they are wanted only for the east of Suez rôle, and that this rôle itself is regarded as highly controversial by a great many Members not only on this side but on the other side of the House as well?
§ Mr. MillanI assure my hon. Friend that the question of the cost of the F111 and the rôle for which it would be intended if it were in fact purchased will be fully taken into account before any decision is made.
§ Captain LitchfieldHow much longer is this indecision to go on? Does the hon. Gentleman realise the great harm which failure to come to a decision on this question and the carriers is doing to the Services?
§ Mr. MillanAs the House knows, the Defence Review is now nearing completion. If hon. Members will contain their impatience for a few weeks longer, they will have definite answers to all these questions.