HC Deb 23 January 1963 vol 670 cc62-3W
Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Defence whether it is his intention to reorganise the three Services to have closer liaison and co-ordination of operational rôles within the new defence planning centred around Polaris submarines; and what consideration he is giving to the gradual merger of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy to meet British and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation defence requirements of the future.

Mr. Thorneycroft

Arrangements already exist for co-ordination of operational rôles between the Services and I do not foresee that the decision to introduce Polaris submarines will of itself require major re-organisation of the three Services. The Royal Air Force will continue to have a vital and world-wide rôle.