§ Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the efficiency and readines of the Royal Air Force air defence.
§ Mr. StanleyThe RAF's high standards of readiness and effectiveness are demonstrated in regular air defence exercises. We are in the midst of a very substantial programme to improve our air defences, which I outlined in my reply to the hon. Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Litherland) on 24 February, at column 217. Once completed, our air defence system will be greatly enhanced.