§ 5. Mr. Neil Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied that wherever necessary the Armed Forces are able to communicate world-wide without unreasonable delay.
§ Mr. ThorneGiven the importance of long-haul communications—whether by satellite or high frequency systems—to any country with world-wide responsibilities, will my hon. Friend ensure that, in considering whether we need to continue to rely on American satellites, proper credit is given to the enormous potential of both the British Marconi and Plessey communications systems?
§ Mr. WigginMy hon. Friend's views have been noted. Wisely, he has been in correspondence with my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence Procurement. We shall bear that point in mind.
§ Dr. McDonaldWhen does the Minister expect the British defence satellite to come into operation?
§ Mr. WigginIt is not customary to give details of such operational matters.