§ 2.5 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT THURSOMy Lords, I beg to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government if they will state when the first Vulcan squadron will be formed and whether the deliveries of Vulcans, Victors and Valiants respectively are up to schedule.]
THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (THE EARL OF GOSFORD)My Lords, the Vulcan has now been released for Royal Air Force service. The first few of them will soon be in use for conversion training and we expect the aircraft to enter squadron service this year. From the present early stages of the production programme, deliveries of the Vulcan should build up to a satisfactory rate before the end of the year. The planned date for release of the Victor and for its delivery to the R.A.F. has not yet been reached. Deliveries of the Valiant are being made according to plan.
§ VISCOUNT THURSOMy Lords, will the noble Earl assure us that Her Majesty's Government are taking all steps to accelerate production of these important aircraft—such steps as the relaxation of credit facilities to enable the firms to obtain the tools and equipment which they require, and the cutting back of orders for less important aircraft, so as to release resources of technical staff, skilled labour and production space for the production of these aircraft which are of such immense and decisive importance for British air power and for making the deterrent of which we talk a reality?
THE EARL OF GOSFORDMy Lords, I think I can assure the noble Viscount that all steps are being taken so that these most important aircraft come into service in the Royal Air Force at the earliest possible moment.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, if a Question is put down in, say, three months from now, would the Minister be able to give an assurance that the programme of work is such that the schedules of deliveries are likely to be kept to?
THE EARL OF GOSFORDMy Lords, I think die noble Lord is asking me something which is beyond my province to answer. I am not a crystal-gazer. But, all going well, I would hope to be able to give the noble Lord a satisfactory Answer.