HL Deb 27 October 1982 vol 435 cc601-2WA
The Earl of Kimberley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action has been taken to develop or acquire air-launched weapons more effective than those used against Port Stanley and less dangerous to the aircraft releasing them.

Viscount Trenchard

The targets attacked at Port Stanley with air-launched weapons were military installations and equipment and the airport runway, and no aircraft were lost in the process. The attacks on military installations and equipment proved very effective and no special action is being taken to procure new weapons for this purpose. The runway itself was attacked with 1000 lb. bombs, which had limited effectiveness, and when available the new JP 233 cratering weapon will be used for this type of target. So far as danger to the aircraft is concerned, JP 233 has been designed to avoid this. We are also taking a number of measures to enhance the survivability of our aircraft in the face of enemy defences.