HC Deb 24 November 1953 vol 521 cc178-9
30. Mr. Alport

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that adequate facilities exist for training in the tactical handling of Army airborne units; and whether, in the event of their employment in an operational rôle, equipment of all the types necessary is satisfactory for this purpose.

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir. I think that we get a fair share of the resources available. As regards existing equipment, this is satisfactory for use in operations with the Hastings and Valetta aircraft. When the Beverley is taken into use, new airborne equipment will be necessary and this is now being developed by my Department and the Air Ministry.

Mr. Alport

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the Beverley aircraft is in all circumstances suitable for the operations which these units could be called upon to perform?

Mr. Head

I think it will be the best aircraft of its kind for airborne operations not only in this country but, so far as I know, anywhere. I hope that as soon as possible we shall get a supply of these aircraft which I think will be a very great asset to our airborne forces.

Mr. Alport

Can my right hon. Friend say when the Beverley is likely to be available for training purposes for these units?

Mr. Head

I know, but for various reasons I would rather not say.

Major Legge-Bourke

Is my right hon. Friend really satisfied with his answer to the first part of the original Question in regard to the Parachute Brigade in the Canal Zone?

Mr. Head

The Parachute Brigade in the Canal Zone has had a good deal of training, but it has been interfered with by operational moves. I do not think that one can expect them, with the various duties which the R.A.F. has got to do, to get as much jumping as one could wish, but on the whole I think they have done fairly well.