§ Q3. Mr. Dalyellasked the Prime Minister if she will list those characteristics of F111 aircraft based in the United Kingdom which rendered their use essential for the United States' attack on Libya.
§ The Prime MinisterThe F111 aircraft based in the United Kingdom provided the best equipped means of carrying out the United States operation against specific terrorist targets in Libya, with the lowest possible risk of Libyan civilian and United States service casualties. As the United States has indicated, the F111 possesses advanced avionics and other capabilities which made it particularly suitable for such a mission.
§ Mr. DalyellWill the Prime Minister name the senior American, or Americans, who told her that the F111 is were more precise than the carrier-based aircraft?
§ The Prime MinisterThat was the advice that we received both from across the Atlantic and from home.
§ Sir Antony BuckDoes my right hon. Friend agree that if we had not given permission for the F111 s to be utilised, the Americans would have gone ahead, used less accurate aircraft and there would have been more civilian casualties?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I said when I spoke to the House on this matter, I understand that the raid would have gone ahead in any event.
§ Mr. Stuart HollandThe Prime Minister referred to the United Kingdom's aid budget to Africa.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The question is about the F111.
§ Mr. MarlowWhat effect has the raid had on Colonel Gaddafi's ability to wage international terrorism?
§ The Prime MinisterI believe that the raid had a great effect. I believe that it showed that the United States was prepared to use force in self-defence against terrorism. That in itself is a salutary warning.
§ Mr. WareingWill the Prime Minister say what kind of self-defence should be conducted by the Nicaraguan Government against the terrorist in the White House?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. That does not relate to this question, which is about Libya. It is a definitive question.
§ Mr. WareingAs the United States believed that it was necessary to use F111s——
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Member is wasting time.