Washington Discussions (Guided Missiles)

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Defence – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 20 February 1957.

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Photo of Mr Geoffrey De Freitas Mr Geoffrey De Freitas , Lincoln 12:00, 20 February 1957

asked the Minister of Defence which members of the Air Council were present at his discussions in Washington on the supply of guided missiles; and whether he will make a statement.

Photo of Mr Geoffrey De Freitas Mr Geoffrey De Freitas , Lincoln

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he has negotiated without being advised by the Service which will use these missiles he will run the danger of being rebuked by the Select Committee on Estimates as he was when he was at the Ministry of Supply? Will he look at this point? After all, these men will have to operate the missiles.

Photo of Mr Duncan Sandys Mr Duncan Sandys , Wandsworth Streatham

Among those who attended the meetings were Aix Marshal Selway, Head of the Air Force Mission in Washington, and Dr. Cockburn, Controller of Guided Weapons and Electronics at the Ministry of Supply.

Photo of Mr Geoffrey De Freitas Mr Geoffrey De Freitas , Lincoln

But is it not a fact that the Air Council has the responsibility of organising the Service which will use these missiles?

Photo of Mr Duncan Sandys Mr Duncan Sandys , Wandsworth Streatham

As I explained in my earlier statement, the proposals which were made during the course of these discussions are now being considered by the two Governments. In the course of the review of these proposals by Her Majesty's Government, the Air Council is playing a major part.

Photo of Mr George Brown Mr George Brown , Belper

asked the Minister of Defence when he expects to be able to announce the nature of the agreement concluded with the United States Government for the supply of missiles for British forces.

Photo of Mr Duncan Sandys Mr Duncan Sandys , Wandsworth Streatham

I cannot at present add to my statement of 6th February.

Photo of Mr George Brown Mr George Brown , Belper

Then something else will be in the White Paper. Is not the right hon. Gentleman prepared to say that this at least will be in the White Paper?

Photo of Mr Duncan Sandys Mr Duncan Sandys , Wandsworth Streatham

There are no limits to what may be in the White Paper.

Photo of Mr George Brown Mr George Brown , Belper

These cuts are beyond that kind of answer. This is something that will affect our ability to defend ourselves and the nature of the forces we are to pay for. Has the Minister made any agreement; or has he, in fact, come back empty-handed on this subject?

Photo of Mr Duncan Sandys Mr Duncan Sandys , Wandsworth Streatham

I am hopeful that some statement may be made before the publication of the White Paper.