HC Deb 17 July 1968 vol 768 cc1423-4
38. Mr. Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence on what number of front-line aircraft in 1973 he bases his estimate of Royal Air Force manpower in that year.

Mr. Reynolds

It is not the practice to disclose such information.

Mr. Powell

Have the Government formed any view of the approximate strength and composition of the Air Force in 1973? If so, why are they not prepared to give the House of Commons that general indication?

Mr. Reynolds

Of course the Government are aware of these figures, but we see no reason whatever, on security grounds, for changing the policy, which has been adopted by all previous Governments, of not revealing the front line strength of the Royal Air Force.

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that, following the policy of the present and previous Governments, no racial discrimination will be involved in recruiting manpower to the Armed Forces?

Mr. Reynolds

I do not see the relevance of that question, even if my hon. Friend does, but I can definitely give that assurance.