HC Deb 06 February 1997 vol 289 c683W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Wessex search and rescue helicopters based at RAF Valley were replaced by Sea Kings. [14640]

Mr. Soames

The timing of the replacement of Wessex helicopters based at RAF Valley with Sea King Mk3s is linked to the introduction into operational RAF service elsewhere of the Sea King Mk3A. This has been delayed by unforeseen technical difficulties. Remedial work is, however, progressing well and we currently estimate that the Sea King Mk3A will enter operational service in mid-summer. This will permit the redeployment of Sea King Mk3s to RAF Valley soon afterwards.