§ 14. Captain W. Elliotasked the Secretary of State for Defence what types of ships in the Royal Navy are equipped to carry and operate aircraft.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuAircraft carriers, commando ships, assault ships, guided missile destroyers, Leander and Tribal Class frigates, the ice patrol ship, some surveying vessels and some Royal Fleet Auxiliaries.
§ Captain ElliotWill the Minister give an assurance that he will not limit these ships in the Royal Navy which can carry aircraft to only one type of aircraft?
§ Mr. MallalieuI hope not.
Mr. AtkinsDoes not the Minister's Answer really refer to helicopters rather than to aeroplanes? Will he give the House an assurance that his Department is studying the possibilities of V.T.O.L. aeroplanes being carried in our ships in the future?
§ Mr. MallalieuThat is one of the options which we are looking at urgently.