HC Deb 20 March 1969 vol 780 cc732-3
51. Mr. Roebuck

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Russian military aircraft have been detected by radar from Royal Air Force Bentley Priory in each of the last convenient 12-month periods; and whether he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. James Boyden)

I am not prepared to release figures which could be used to give an indication of the efficiency of our air defence radars.

Mr. Roebuck

Is my hon. Friend aware that, in the Harrow Observer and Gazette of 11th March, the air officer commanding was reported as having said that his radar screen has revealed a large number of Russian aircraft? Is it not right, if that is so, that the public should have access to the fullest possible information? Surely it is wrong that the air officer commanding can give this information to the Harrow Royal Air Forces Association but my hon. Friend cannot give it to the House? What will he do about this matter?

Mr. Boyden

The Harrow Observer was a bit inaccurate.

Mr. Eimrys Hughes

Resign.