§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the number of Soviet aircraft which are presently capable of attacking the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. StanleyOver 500 Soviet aircraft are currently based within sufficient range of the United Kingdom as to be able to attack the United Kingdom without air-to-air refuelling. Most of these aircraft can attack with either nuclear or conventional weapons. However, only a proportion of the aircraft are likely to have the United Kingdom as their initial target.
§ Mr. O'Neillasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated number of Soviet aircraft capable of carrying anti-ship missiles which are based in the northern region.
§ Mr. StanleyAbout 130 Soviet naval medium bombers capable of carrying anti-ship missiles are deployed with the Soviet northern fleet and Baltic fleet air forces. In addition, approximately 300 Soviet air force heavy and medium bombers are based within range of northern waters. A proportion of this force is capable of carrying anti-ship missiles and could be allocated for maritime tasks.