Mrs. Oppenheimasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to procure new medium-range ground to air missiles; from what countries he is planning to procure these; whether he has evaluated any such missiles already being developed in the United Kingdom; and what are the principal factors he will take into account in reaching his decisions.
§ Mr. PattieOur Bloodhound Mk II system has many years of useful life left, and there are no plans for an early replacement. When future requirements for medium range surface-to-air missiles have been established, appropriate systems will be assessed, against their ability to meet the operational need. Decisions will be made principally on the basis of cost and performance.