Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Defence – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 19 Chwefror 1964.
Mr Denis Healey
, Leeds East
12:00,
19 Chwefror 1964
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.
Mr Peter Thorneycroft
, Sir Fynwy
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.
Mr Denis Healey
, Leeds East
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?
Mr Peter Thorneycroft
, Sir Fynwy
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.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
