Air Defence

Mr. Soames
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the efficiency and readines of the Royal Air Force air defence.

Mr. Stanley
The RAF's high standards of readiness and effectiveness are demonstrated in regular air defence exercises. We are in the midst of a very substantial programme to improve our air defences, which I outlined in my reply to the hon. Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Litherland) on 24 February, at column 217. Once completed, our air defence system will be greatly enhanced.