§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence when it is now proposed to disband the various Canberra reconnaissance and Vulcan bomber squadrons as a result of the decision to accelerate their withdrawal: which type 506W of aircraft will replace them in the role that they at present fulfil; and whether the Maritime Reconnaissance Vulcan Squadron is to be disbanded.
§ Mr. PattieThe two Canberra photographic reconnaissance squadrons will now disband in January and June 1982 respectively. The planned disbandment dates of the six Vulcan bomber squadrons have not been changed, but the planned disbandment of the maritime reconnaissance Vulcan squadron has been brought forward slightly to June 1982. Tornado aircraft will enter service as the Vulcans are withdrawn, and a reconnaissance version of the Tornado is planned to take over the Canberra reconnaissance role in due course. The maritime reconnaissance task will be taken on by the Nimrod maritime reconnaissance squadrons.