§ 13. Sir J. Edenasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about progress in the Maritime 1065 Comet for Royal Air Force Coastal Command; whether a firm production order has now been placed; and when the aircraft will come into service.
§ Mr. MillanThe integrated development and production programme is proceeding well and the aircraft is expected to come into service in 1969. My right hon. Friend hopes to have more to say about this project in a few weeks' time.
§ Sir J. EdenDoes the answer mean that production orders have been placed for the aircraft? Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is important and urgent now to bring the aircraft forward into service, if possible, earlier than the date he mentioned?
§ Mr. MillanI must ask the hon. Gentleman to await the statement which my right hon. Friend will be making about this project, as I have said, in a few weeks' time. But work is proceeding, and the introduction date of 1969 will certainly be met.
§ Lord BalnielIn view of the uncertainty about the employment position in Hatfield where it is hoped the aircraft will be manufactured, can the hon. Gentleman give any indication of the scale of the production order which is likely to be placed?
§ Mr. MillanNo, Sir. It has never been the practice to give numbers with an aircraft of this sort.