HC Deb 31 May 1967 vol 747 c78
18. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Secretary of State for Defence which of the Canberra squadrons of the Royal Air Force in Germany are to be disbanded; what type of aircraft is to be supplied to those remaining in service; and when he expects the new aircraft to be in squadron service.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The Canberra squadrons in Germany will, in due course, be withdrawn without direct replacement, but some of their tasks will be allocated to the ground attack Phantom squadrons from 1970. In addition, United Kingdom based Fills and V-bombers would be available to Saceur in emergency.

Mr. Goodhew

Can the hon. Member tell us exactly when we are to have the Anglo-French VG aircraft, which is surely an important part of the replacement for the Canberras which he says will not fly after 1970?

Mr. Rees

We have made arrangements for the replacement of the Canberra in other ways before the advent of the AFVG.