HC Deb 11 March 1953 vol 512 cc1262-3
11 and 12. Mr. Baldock

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) how many helicopters are being flown by the Naval air service; and what progress is being made in developing machines suitable for sea warfare;

(2) what steps are being taken to construct helicopters, of a type suitable for sea warfare, in Great Britain.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

A total of about 30 helicopters are in use at present. All carriers operating aircraft have one each for the rescue of aircrew at sea and some naval air stations have been provided with them. It is the intention to provide all carriers with two each and to increase the number at air stations as soon as possible. There is also a unit established ashore for helicopter training and trials and, as the House was informed on 17th November last by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, a squadron of larger helicopters is operating in Malaya manned by the Navy.

A Naval Staff requirement has been stated for the development of a helicopter suitable for employment afloat in an antisubmarine role. This is now being examined by the Ministry of Supply. Investigations are in hand to determine the possibility of adapting existing helicopter designs for anti-submarine duties.

Mr. Baldock

Would my right hon. Friend agree that this type of aircraft, which is particularly suitable for carrying on operations against enemy types of attack both below and above the surface. should offer an opportunity for our own naval designers to produce a type of aircraft which is at least pre-eminent among all the navies of the N.A.T.O. countries?

Mr. Thomas

I agree with a good deal of what my hon. Friend says. His question really should be addressed to the Minister of Supply, who deals with that aspect.

Air Commodore Harvey

If my right hon. Friend can give this very detailed information, why could he not tell me the other day how many different types of aircraft are in production for the Royal Navy?

Mr. Thomas

I am afraid I am unable to answer that question without notice. I have forgotten my original answer.