§ 22. Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to place the order for additional search and rescue Sea King helicopters to replace the Wessex helicopters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkNo decision has yet been taken on a replacement for the Wessex, which continues to make a valuable contribution to the SAR service. As part of our normal equipment planning process, we are considering the case for its replacement. I cannot, at this stage, say whether we shall need new helicopters.