§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence when HMS "Hermes" first entered service; and for how long she has been operating anti-submarine aircraft or helicopters.
§ Mr. JuddHMS "Hermes" entered service as a fleet carrier in 1960. She has always operated some helicopters in the anti-submarine rôle.
§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is intended that in her anti-submarine rôle HMS "Hermes" will be equipped with Sea King helicopters; and, if so, whether these machines will come from new purchases or from a redeployment of our existing anti-submarine helicopter strength.
§ Mr. JuddHMS "Hermes" will be equipped with Sea King helicopters for her anti-submarine rôle. These helicopters will be provided initially from within the total number of Sea Kings available for Royal Naval tasks. New purchases are made from time to time to maintain the total number needed and these will take into account the requirement for HMS "Hermes".