§ 35. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future of the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers.
§ 36. Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the rôle that he plans for H.M.S. "Eagle" and H.M.S. "Ark Royal" in the 1970's.
§ 28. Mr. Murtonasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether Her Majesty's Government will now reconsider its policy of eventual disbandment of the aircraft carrier force of the Royal Navy.
§ Dr. David OwenOur plans for the aircraft carrier force are unchanged, that is to say it will be phased-out as soon as our military withdrawals from Malaysia, Singapore and the Persian Gulf have been completed. These withdrawals are due to complete by the end of 1971.
§ Mr. WallWhen will the Minister realise that British shipping in time of war will have to be protected or we shall starve? Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that in certain areas of the world this is impossible without seaborne fixed-wing aircraft? Is not this the advice he is getting from all our allies?
§ Dr. OwenWhen will hon. Members opposite realise that it has never been—[HON. MEMBERS: "Answer."]—the policy of Her Majesty's Government to 401 be able to protect the seaways of the world alone?
§ Mr. FarrWill the hon. Gentleman categorically deny reports that H.M.S. "Eagle" and H.M.S. "Ark Royal" are to be turned over to N.A.T.O. and re-equipped with American aircraft?
§ Dr. OwenNo decisions have been made as to what is to happen to the aircraft carriers when they are phased out in 1971.
§ Mr. WallOn a point of order. I beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.