Heavy-Lift Helicopters

HC Deb 20 January 1971 vol 809 cc1044-5

6. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply if he will make a statement about the supply of heavy-lift helicopters to the Royal Air Force.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation Supply (Mr. David Price)

The Department has not been notified of any R.A.F. requirement for a heavy-lift helicopter. However, we have been notified of a possible requirement for some helicopters with a medium-lift capability. We are examining helicopters which might meet such a requirement.

Mr. Wall

Would not the operation and the efficiency of the Harrier squadrons be severely restricted unless there were some medium-lift or heavy-lift helicopters available to supply them at forward airfields? Can my hon. Friend say anything about the report about a form of exchange deal with the United States as against W.G.13s produced in this country?

Mr. Price

My answer to the latter part of my hon. Friend's question is, "No". The former part is an operational requirement question, and he should put it to my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Defence.