§ 18. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for War what decisions have been reached in discussions with the Secretary of State for Air about helicopters for use by the Army; and what arrangements have been made for experiments to take place under Army control.
§ Mr. HeadIt has been decided to set up an experimental unit, details of which I gave last Tuesday.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that after the lessons in Korea things might move a little more quickly, and what does he think about the scathing remarks of Lord Thurlow in another place, when he said that they had been waiting for 18 months for one helicopter in Kenya, and that if this had been available it would have made a great difference to the number of casualties?
§ Mr. HeadIt seems that Lord Thurlow is unaware that the previous type of helicopter, so I am informed by the experts, could not fly in Kenya, and that is why it was not sent there. As the House knows, I am extremely anxious to give helicopters to the Army.
§ Mr. DoddsIs it not a fact that a Bristol Sycamore has been sent to Kenya, and if it is of no use, why was it sent?
§ Mr. HeadAs I have said, the previous type could not fly in Kenya. This is an amended type with a special gear ratio, which has been specially made for Kenya.