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Mr. Churchill
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many additional squadrons of air defence aircraft he expects to be added to the strength of the Royal Air Force by 1985–86, excluding Aircraft that may be currently in service with the Royal Navy.
Mr. Pattie
On present plans, one. The scope for further expanding the fighter force is being examined, although the many other pressing claims on the defence budget, and on public expenditure generally, limit what is possible.
Mr. Churchill
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many air defence squadrons were available to the Royal Air Force in 1950, 1960, 1970 and 1980, respectively.
Mr. Pattie
The figures are as follows:
| Fighter Command/ | ||
| Strike Command | RAF Germany | |
| 1950 | 24 | 8 |
| 1960 | 14 | 11 |
| 1970 | 6 | 2 |
| 1980 | 7 | 2 |
| 1949–50 | 6·3 per cent. |
| 1959–60 | 6·5 per cent. |
| 1969–70 | 4·9 per cent. |
| 1979–80 | 4·9 per cent. (estimate) |