§ 19. Mr. Humphrey Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what type of aircraft he propses to use for the air defence of the fleet in Far Eastern waters in the late 1970's; where these aircraft 422 will be based; and what these bases will cost to construct.
§ Mr. HealeyPhantom aircraft will be used for the air defence of the fleet in the late 1970's; those deployed permanently in the Far East will on present plans be based in Singapore where bases are already available.
§ Mr. AtkinsDoes the right hon. Gentleman seriously expect us to believe that land-based aircraft in Singapore can sufficiently cover the vast areas of ocean in the Far East to enable the Royal Navy to move ships without cover from our allies?
§ Mr. HealeyThe hon. Gentleman, who I think is a student of these matters, will be well aware that the Royal Navy moves ships about vast areas of the world all the time with no air cover whatever. We are satisfied that, in any operations which we would regard it as wise to undertake, we can provide the necessary fighter cover with these aircraft.
§ Mr. RankinIs it proposed to base any of these aircraft in Hong Kong?
§ Mr. HealeyIt is not proposed so to do.