§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Aviation (1) to what extent platforms have been made, and at what cost, to fit beneath V bombers that were destined to carry the Skybolt missile;
(2) to what extent the fuselage of the Vulcan bombers now in production has been jigged to take Skybolt missiles; to what extent this will now affect production; and at what cost.
§ Mr. AmeryIt is impracticable for me to give individual answers on the many inter-related changes which were necessary to equip Vulcan aircraft to carry the Skybolt missile. I can, however, say that about one-third of the work had been completed at the time of cancellation. Production of the aircraft will not be affected.
Deliveries to the Royal Air Force should not be delayed. The cost has still to be negotiated with the contractors concerned.