§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is intended to form a new squadron for the Nimrod aircraft to be used on maritime reconnaissance over the North Sea oilfields; and, if so, when this will become operational.
§ Mr. WellbelovedNo. The four additional Nimrod aircraft for offshore duties are being allocated to existing maritime reconnaissance squadrons in the United Kingdom and will become operational from 1st January next year.