asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the fact that first-line manned aircraft such as the Lightning fighter and the Vulcan and Victor bombers are obsolescent, he will name the prototypes of aircraft intended as their replacements; and how their respective development trials are progressing.

The premise of the Question is mistaken. The present mark of the Lightning is an up-to-date and effective interceptor. A new mark, which will represent a considerable advance and will carry the new air-to-air guided missile Red Top, is being developed. The mark 2 versions of the Vulcan and the Victor have only recently entered service. With the progressive developments we plan in equipment and in the means of warhead delivery they will remain formidable weapons systems for a long time to come.