Mr. DuncanSmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence which helicopter squadron(a) is allocated to HMS Invincible and (b) will be allocated to her in 2001. [143037]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 15 December 2000]: No anti-submarine warfare (ASW) squadron is being specifically allocated to HMS Invincible in 2001. A Carrier Air Group including a ASW helicopter component will always be available for the Fleet Flagship Aircraft Carrier if required. HMS Invincible will continue in this role until April 2001, when she hands over to HMS Illustrious. 820 Naval Air Squadron will provide the ASW component in 2001.