Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy relating to the release of information on in-service dates for equipment currently on order.
§ Mr. AitkenThe forecast in-service date of equipment will normally be unclassified. Although it is my 175W Department's policy to be as open as possible about these matters, there are two categories of exception to this rule. The first is when the release of a forecast in-service date may constitute an intelligence advantage to a potential enemy. The second is when the release of the in-service date of equipment procured collaboratively is the subject of an international agreement with our partners.