§ 48. Commander Courtneyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what limitations are being experienced in the operation of existing aircraft carriers; what effect such limitations are having on the operational efficiency of naval air squadrons due to ageing propulsion machinery, catapults and other material; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MayhewThere are no serious limitations on the operation of the aircraft for which our carriers are fitted. We cannot get the most out of the latest aircraft in the oldest carriers in tropical conditions.
§ 49. Commander Courtneyasked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of the delay in the implementation of the British carrier replacement programme and of the unlikelihood of sufficient carriers being operational at the time when "Ark Royal" and "Victorious" finally go out of service, he will consider the technical feasibility of acquiring a carrier of the "Essex" class on loan and purchase from the United States of America.
§ Mr. HealeyOur carrier replacement programme is not being delayed: preparatory work is going on and we will be able to order CVAO1 on time if the defence review confirms that she should be built. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.