asked the Minister of Defence what revision has been made of the information in the possession of his Department regarding the anti-aircraft defences of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, following that published by his predecessor in 1960.

My predecessor, on the occasion which the hon. Member appears to have in mind, was speaking of defences against high-level attack with Blue Steel. I have no reason to amend what he said on this subject four years ago. The capabilities of enemy defences against both high-level and low-level attack are, of course, kept continuously under review.

Are we to understand that it is not now considered feasible to use Blue Steel or the V-bombers in any high-level attack in Soviet territory? Secondly, is it not a fact that, since the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor made his statement in 1960, the Soviets have got in service a fighter aircraft capable of flying at nearly twice the speed of Blue Steel?

No, Sir; the answer simply means that it was a very prudent investment to ensure that they are capable of attacking at both high and low level.