HC Deb 26 October 1954 vol 531 c247W
52. Mr. Ian Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for War what establishment of helicopters for the Army has now been agreed; and how many of these machines have been delivered to date.

57. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for War how many helicopters are available for the use of the British Army at home and overseas.

Mr. Head

Thirty-eight helicopters are now employed to meet the Army's requirements. Of these 24 are provided by the Royal Air Force and 14 by the Royal Navy. About 100 R.A.F. helicopters are now on order.

No firm establishment has yet been agreed upon for the Army but a joint R.A.F./Army experimental unit is being formed which will be commanded, paid for and controlled by the Army. The object of this unit is to study the use of helicopters as a means of providing greater mobility for the Army in the field.