Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Defence – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 22 Rhagfyr 1965.
Hon. Nicholas Ridley
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
12:00,
22 Rhagfyr 1965
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the F111A will be able to carry British-made nuclear bombs.
Mr Denis Healey
, Leeds East
Our primary requirement is for an aircraft to replace the Canberra as a tactical strike-reconnaissance aircraft carrying conventional weapons. But the F111A would also be able to carry the nuclear weapons the hon. Member mentions.
Hon. Nicholas Ridley
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
May I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on maintaining the independent British nuclear deterrent, but could he give a categorical assurance that the bomb designed for the TSR2 can be carried in this new aircraft, if ordered?
Mr Denis Healey
, Leeds East
I am always grateful when I get congratulations from the front bench opposite. I hope that it sets a precedent which others will follow. I can give the assurance for which the hon. Member for Cirencester and Tewkesbury (Mr. Ridley) asks.
Mr Emrys Hughes
, South Ayrshire
May I ask my right hon. Friend what will be the cost of this plane, plus a nuclear weapon?
Mr Denis Healey
, Leeds East
I would like notice of that question.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
The first bench on either side of the House of Commons, reserved for ministers and leaders of the principal political parties.
