§ 30. Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what orders have been placed with the aircraft industry for P1127s and for Comets for Coastal Command; and what aircraft will be used for all-weather reconnaissance at the end of the decade.
§ Mr. HealeyPreliminary contracts have been placed covering the initial development and production work on both aircraft.
All-weather strategic reconnaissance at the end of the decade will be provided by Royal Air Force Victors and tactical all-weather reconnaissance by Royal Air Force Phantoms and Royal Navy Buccaneers. Further all-weather tactical reconnaissance will be provided by the Royal Air Force PR Canberras and, as these are phased out, by the Canberra replacement but a decision on the aircraft type and number must await the outcome of the Defence Review.
208WShackletons and maritime Comets will provide all-weather maritime reconnaissance.