§ Mr. Wigginasked the Secretary of State for Defence what aircraft he proposes to phase out of service in the next five years.
§ Mr. JohnAs part of our normal re-equipment programme we shall be phasing out the RAF Varsities and replacing the Hunter and Gnat training aircraft by the Hawk. The RN Hiller and Army Sioux helicopters will be replaced by the Gazelle and the Army Scout and Alouette helicopters by the Lynx. As a result of the defence review we expect to phase out further aircraft from the RAF, particularly in the air transport force, over the next year or two, but decisions must await the outcome of consultations.