§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the remaining Shackleton airborne early warning squadrons; and which system he expects to provide radar defence against low level attack in 12 months, 24 months and 36 months from now.
§ Mr. Stanley[pursuant to his reply, 7 December 1984, c. 296]: The Shackleton continues to provide a useful AEW capability, but it is an elderly aircraft which is increasingly difficult to maintain. The timing of the disbandment of the Shackleton AEW force in relation to the coming into service of the Nimrod AEW has yet to be decided.