HC Deb 01 July 1959 vol 608 cc446-8
23. Mr. Wigg

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement on the future of the Joint Experimental Helicopter Unit.

Mr. H. Fraser

The unit will continue its present work until the end of this year. No decision has been made beyond that.

Mr. Wigg

Would the hon. Gentleman be good enough to say when that decision was taken because, as recently as a few weeks ago, this unit had been informed that as from September it would cease to exist in its present form? If the policy has been reconsidered and there has been a change of heart, that is very welcome news.

Mr. Fraser

There is no change of policy. It was agreed a year ago that there would be a year's extension.

Mr. Wigg

Are we to take it that the situation now is that this unit will continue for at least another year?

Mr. Fraser

No, Sir. As I explained in my Answer, unless there is a decision to keep this unit in being it will close at the end of this year.

Mr. Wigg

In that case, will the hon. Gentlemen be good enough to say what considerations have caused this experimental unit to be wound up when every other army in the world it paying increasing interest to the use of helicopters?

Mr. Fraser

As the hon. Member knows, this unit has been used for experimental tactical purposes. It started four years ago and the question arises whether it has come out of the realm of the tactical experimental stage into the tactical application stage.

Mr. Wigg

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that at the earliest opportunity I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

24. Mr. Wigg

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement on the future use of helicopters by the Army.

Mr. H. Fraser

Helicopters of the Royal Air Force and the Army Air Corps will be used increasingly in support of the Army in the field. Their tasks will include the carriage of troops, supplies and equipment, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance and liaison in forward areas.

Mr. Wigg

Is it not a fact that, in view of the Army's present policy of limiting helicopters to a 4,000 1b. weight, the Army has to fit two men according to their size? If it has a fat man it has to put him in with a thin man or they cannot manage their rifles. Does not this indicate that the Government are pursuing a fantastic policy, for which they are not prepared to ask the country to pay?

Mr. Fraser

With respect, it is not a fantastic policy in the least. The policy was clearly laid down by the Minister of Defence the other day. There must be a limit between Army responsibilities and the responsibility of the Royal Air Force which is equipped to deal with heavier machines.

Mr. Wigg

The fact is that the Russians certainly have hundreds or even thousands of helicopters and we have about half a dozen. Is the Financial Secretary prepared to reconsider this policy which limits Army helicopters to 4,000 1b. weight with all the consequences which flow from that?

Mr. Fraser

As was explained by my right hon. Friend the other day, there is no permanent "Plimsol line". As these helicopters get bigger, the size will go up. It is purely an administrative matter.

Mr. Shinwell

As a matter of interest, will the hon. Gentleman tell the House how many helicopters the Army uses?

Mr. Fraser

The Army is well equipped at the moment with small Skeeter reconnaissance helicopters.

Mr. Shinwell

Will they be of any value in the field?

Mr. Fraser

Yes, Sir. They are of great value for reconnaissance and liaison.

Mr. Wigg

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.