§ 2.36 p.m.
§ LORD DOWDINGMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the estimate given on July 22, 1953, that the first helicopter for search and rescue in the Middle East would be available by the end of that year, has proved accurate; and if not, when it may be expected to be provided.]
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR AIR (LORD DE L'ISLE AND DUDLEY)My Lords, I hope that the first helicopter will reach the Middle East during the course of this year. The delay in providing helicopters for search and rescue work in this Command has been caused by the need to modify very considerably the type destined for this task. The extent of these modifications became apparent only during trials made since I last answered a Question on this subject put by the noble and gallant Lord.