§ Dame Joan Vickersasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the future programme for the Fleet Air Arm.
§ Dr. David OwenThe Fleet Air Arm will maintain its present rôle, including fixed-wing flying, until the aircraft carriers are phased out of service following the withdrawal from Malaysia, Singapore and the Gulf. Thereafter, the Fleet Air Arm will continue to operate rotary-wing aircraft from ships of frigate size and above. This rôle will be an increasing one in the future.