§ Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is aware that on some occasions F111 aircraft have been shot down by rifle and machine gun fire; and whether he will make a statement on the vulnerability of these aircraft.
§ Mr. HealeyI think the hon. Member must have some other aircraft in mind. The development flying of the 12 F111 As so far built is taking place in the United States. I have no reports of any hostile action.
§ Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is aware that Vietcong troops in North Vietnam are issued with an instruction manual on how to shoot down Fill aircraft with rifle and machine gun fire; and if, in view of its vulnerability, he will reconsider the purchase of this aircraft.
§ Mr. HealeyI should not expect any such manuals to relate to aircraft which, like the F111, are not yet in squadron service. Without in any way accepting the premise of the second part of the Question, the answer is no.