HC Deb 11 December 1957 vol 579 c126W
62. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Air to what extent Royal Air Force aeroplanes on patrol duty normally carry atom or hydrogen bombs.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

It is essential to the maintenance of an effective deterrent that aircraft should be in a position to take immediate action and that ground and air crews should be thoroughly versed in the handling of nuclear weapons on the ground and in flight.