§ Mr. Wilkinsonasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the future of the special naval test facilities, including catapults and arrester gear, for fixed wing aircraft at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Bedford.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourThe Naval Air Department flight deck installations at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Bedford, are representative of equipment fitted in H.M.S. "Eagle" and H.M.S. "Ark Royal". We are considering putting the former on a care and maintenance basis when "Eagle" is withdrawn in 1972. The latter will remain in service while "Ark Royal" is operational, and will be used to train operators, to prove aircraft modifications, to investigate in-service problems and, on a repayment basis, to undertake work for other navies using aircraft carriers.