§ 31. Mr. Wilkinsonasked the Minister of State for Defence what new plans he has to strengthen the future integral air cover available to Her Majesty's ships of the Fleet; and what part he envisages that existing British or developed versions of existing vertical and short take-off and landing military aircraft will play in ful-filling that rôle.
§ Mr. KirkAir support of ships at sea will continue to be provided by carrier-borne aircraft of the Royal Navy, until H.M.S. "Eagle" and "Ark Royal" are withdrawn from service, by shore-based aircraft of the Royal Air Force, and by aircraft of allied air forces. Whether V.S.T.O.L. aircraft should be employed in a maritime rôle is a question at present being studied.