HC Deb 28 January 1981 vol 997 cc420-1W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is now to be the programme for the withdrawal of the AEW Shackletons; and whether the new Nimrod AEW aircraft that are to replace them will be in service at the time of the withdrawal.

Mr. Pattie

The number of aircraft in the Shackleton AEW squadron will begin to reduce from the middle of this year, but the withdrawal will not be completed until after the Nimrod AEW aircraft has been introduced into service.