§ 29. Mr. Robert Howarthasked the Secretary of State for Defence, how many helicopters the Royal Air Force has at Hong Kong; what is their age and serviceability rate; and what proposals he has for replacing them, and when.
§ Mr. John MorrisThe Royal Air Force has one squadron of Whirlwind Mark 10 helicopters permanently stationed in Hong Kong. It is not customary to disclose the size and operational capabilities of front-line units. There are no plans at present to replace the helicopters with another type.
§ Mr. HowarthIs my hon. Friend aware that it is well known that these are very old helicopters and the R.A.F. has great difficulty in keeping them flying regularly? Will he look at this again with a view to replacing them very quickly?
§ Mr. MorrisI shall certainly take into account the comment of my hon. Friend, who, I understand, has been out to Hong Kong. Apart from difficulties of serviceability at some time this year, I am not aware of general dissatisfaction with these helicopters.
§ Mr. WigginWill the hon. Gentleman confirm the extremely useful role which helicopters can play in an internal security theatre? Will he take action to see that these helicopters are brought up-to-date as soon as possible?
§ Mr. MorrisYes, Sir. Helicopters perform a very useful réle in the operations in Hong Kong.