§ 42. Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Defence, in view of the recent three Shackleton air crashes of Coastal Command, when will the HS801 be available to phase out the Shackleton at a realistic rate.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe Nimrod is planned to enter R.A.F. service in 1969–70.
§ Mr. MillsWould the Minister take steps to bring this new HS801 into service as quickly as possible, bearing in mind that Coastal Command has not only a vital rôle in defence but in rescue work and in helping merchant ships in distress?
§ Mr. ReesThis is a new aircraft, the order for which was given in 1964, within three months of the Labour Government coming into office. A new aircraft takes time to bring in; it cannot be speeded up. This is a fine aircraft, but there is no question of speeding it up in any major sense.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyCould my hon. Friend say whether the replacement for the Shackleton will operate from St. Mawgan, particularly in its air-sea rescue rôle?
§ Mr. ReesYes. Obviously with the advent of a new aircraft the location needs to be looked at very carefully. I can assure my hon. Friend that the aircraft will be deployed from St. Mawgan.