§ 3.2 p.m.
LORD GIFFORDMy Lords, I beg to ask His Majesty's Government the question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether it is intended that Air Attaché s of His Majesty's Embassies abroad 686 shall continue to be allotted a Royal Air Force aircraft to assist them in carrying out their duties.]
§ LORD HENDERSONMy Lords, for reasons of economy His Majesty's Government have decided that the provision of R.A.F. aircraft for the use of Air Attaché s can be justified only in cases where the aircraft can be fully employed. Aircraft have, accordingly, been withdrawn from those countries where they are least required.
LORD GIFFORDMy Lords, arising out of that answer, I should like to ask whether the noble Lord's colleague, the Secretary of State for Air, has considered the very serious loss of prestige which the R.A.F. will suffer in foreign countries as a result of this decision. May I add that my information is that notice of withdrawal has been given in certain cases where the Attaché concerned quite regularly uses his aircraft.
§ LORD HENDERSONMy Lords, I am quite sure that my right honourable friend, the Secretary of State for Air, took into account the important point which the noble Lord has raised. But, as my answer shows, there are other important considerations of which the Government had to take account, and it was for such reasons that the decision was taken.
LORD GIFFORDWould the noble Lord look into the second point which I have made? As I have said, I have information that withdrawal notices have been given in the cases of certain Air Attaché s who are regularly using their aircraft.
§ LORD HENDERSONYes, I certainly will look into that.
§ House adjourned at three minutes past three o'clock.