§ 1. Major Wallasked the Minister of Defence whether, in view of recent progress in the United States of America, he will see that helicopters are made available for the training of raiding forces, in particular Royal Marine Commandos.
§ The Minister of Defence (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd)I am afraid that I have nothing to add to the Answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend on this matter by the Civil Lord of the Admiralty on 16th March of this year.
§ Major WallWill not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that techniques have altered greatly since the end of the Second World War, and would not he undertake to look into the matter again so that at least a small number of these helicopters might be provided for this training?
§ Mr. LloydI certainly assure my hon. and gallant Friend that we are aware of the importance of these techniques, and I gladly will look into the matter.
§ Mr. StracheyWill the Minister also consider, as well as helicopters, the new developments in aircraft capable of takeoff in short distances, which may be in some ways even more promising? Will 2280 he take this into consideration as well, because this method might be considerably easier to develop?