Helicopter Unit, Manston

HC Deb 14 June 1974 vol 874 c651W

Mr. Aitken

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated annual cost to public funds of the RAF Helicopter SAR Unit which is to be based at RAF Manston from September 1974.

Mr. John

The direct annual operating cost is estimated at approximately £202,000.

Mr. Aitken

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many RAF and civilian personnel will be employed by the RAF Helicopter SAR Unit which is to be based at RAF Manston from September 1974.

Mr. John

The estimated size of the unit will 31 RAF personnel, of whom 27 will be based at Manston. There will be no civilians.

Mr. Aitken

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will define the military need for the proposed RAF Helicopter SAR Unit to be based at Manston from September 1974; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John

As I made clear to the hon. Member in my letter of 11th June, the military requirement is based upon several considerations, including the amount and nature of the military flying which is expected to take place in peacetime in the southern part of the North Sea and upon the pattern of military aircraft movement across the Channel and North Sea in times of tension.