asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state the number of squadrons and the aircraft types committed to air defence in (a) the United Kingdom air defence regions and (b) the Royal Air Force, Germany.

There are two squadrons of Lightnings and five squadrons of Phantoms committed to the air defence of the United Kingdom and two squadrons of Phantoms in RAF Germany. A further squadron of Lightning aircraft is available as a reserve and an additional squadron of Phantoms, normally used in the training role, is also available.