§ 8. Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made in equipping the Army with helicopters; and if he will make a statement on future progress.
§ Mr. HareWe are beginning this month to replace fixed wing reconnaissance aircraft by helicopters. The number and type of load-carrying helicopters which the Army will need is being actively considered. The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are, of course, already flying a number of helicopters for the Army.
§ Mr. BellengerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is not a new matter, and that it has been under consideration and experimentation by the Army for a long time? Is he not in a position to give the House more detailed estimates 1024 of what he envisages will be the future of this very useful method of transport in the Army?
§ Mr. HareNo, I am not in a position to add any more at the moment, but I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that I agree with what he has said about the importance of this matter, and I am giving it a lot of my personal attention at the moment.