68. Air Commodore Harveyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will make a statement on helicopter trials which have been carried out in connection with anti-submarine work with merchant ships.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasTrials carried out about four years ago showed that a helicopter could land and take off from the type of merchant ship used in the trial, in moderate weather. I am advised however that, in their present stage of development, anti-submarine helicopters operated from merchant ships could not be economically deployed, adequately briefed, or properly maintained.