§ 69. Mr. Critchleyasked the Secretary of State for Air if he will purchase the United States GAM 70 Quail decoy vehicle to be fitted to the V-bombers so as to improve their credibility.
§ Mr. J. AmeryNo. The V-force is already equipped with a variety of countermeasures for confusing the enemy defences.
§ 70. Mr. Critchleyasked the Secretary of State for Air what would be the cost of maintaining a standing air alert consisting of 10 per cent. of the V-bomber force.
§ Mr. J. AmeryBecause of its capacity for quick reaction to warning of attack, the V-bomber force provides an effective deterrent without recourse to air alert. To maintain a standing air alert with 10 per cent. of the Force would involve not only an increase in flying maintenance costs but also substantial changes in the present organisation of Bomber Command. I am not in a position to say precisely what the cost would be.