§ 9. Mr. Pattieasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the air defence provision for forward troops in BAOR; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. GilbertAt present, yes, but we are devoting considerable resources to enhancing our air defence capability in the face of an increasing threat.
§ Mr. PattieCan the Minister assure the House that the optimum number of Rapier fire units have been provided to give the maximum defensive capability to our BAOR troops in the defined area which has been allocated to Rapier for air defence? Will all the Army's visual fire units be converted to the Blindfire system?
§ Dr. GilbertI think that the answer to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question is "Yes". I have no reason to believe that it is anything other. I think that "Yes" is also the answer to the question about conversion—I think so.