Fleet Air Arm

HC Deb 22 July 1970 vol 804 c130W

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Fleet Air Arm.

Mr. Kirk

The rôle of the Fleet Air Arm, including fixed-wing flying, will remain as it is now until the aircraft carriers are withdrawn from service. Thereafter the Fleet Air Arm will continue to operate rotary wing aircraft from frigates and larger ships. This will be an important and increasing rôle in the future.

We are studying the implications of some continuation of naval fixed-wing flying, which under the plans of the previous Administration was due to be phased out in 1972, when the east of Suez withdrawals had been completed.