§ Major Beamishasked the Secretary of State for War how many helicopters, and of what types, are at present being used by the Army other than for experimental purposes; and for how many machines, by types, firm orders have been placed.
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§ Mr. F. MacleanForty-two helicopters are available to the Army other than for experimental purposes. Thirty-four are flown by the Royal Air Force, of which 13 are Sycamores, 17 Whirlwinds and four Dragonflies. The Royal Navy provide eight S55's for our use in Malaya. All orders for Royal Air Force helicopters are placed at the instance of my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Air, and the number which will be made available to the Army will depend upon the results of trials at the Joint Experimental Helicopter Unit and future operational requirements.