HC Deb 14 February 1968 vol 758 cc1322-3
8. Mr. Onslow

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what Royal Air Force element will be included in the general capability for deployment outside Europe after 1971.

Healey

The deployment outside Europe of particular elements of the Royal Air Force will depend on the circumstances at the time.

Mr. Onslow

What bases does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be available east of Ascension Island?

Mr. Healey

We do not plan to have any bases in the technical sense in which that word has been used in defence debates in the House of Commons for the last 20 years, but we expect to have staging posts which will enable the Air Force to enjoy a variety of route options if it is required to serve in the Far East.

Mr. Dalyell

What staging posts are we likely to have?

Mr. Healey

I am afraid that my hon. Friend must await the White Paper later in the year for an answer to that question.