HC Deb 06 April 1978 vol 947 cc190-1W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is to be the role of the Sea King squadron at present aboard HMS "Ark Royal" after she is withdrawn; whether it will operate from HMS "Bulwark"; what is to be the role of HMS "Bulwark"; when she is expeted to be withdrawn from service; and whether she will be replaced by HMS "Invincible" and when HMS "Invincible" should join the fleet.

Dr. Gilbert

The Sea King squadron at present embarked on HMS "Ark Royal" will continue to be used in the anti-submarine [ASW] role. It will be based at RNAS Culdrose and will be available for operation, as required, from the large RFAs and other ships, including HMS "Bulwark". HMS "Bulwark" will be employed primarily in the ASW role to increase our operational effectiveness until the new ASW cruisers enter service. She will also be able to contribute to our amphibious lift capability. She will run as long as is necessary. With regard to HMS "Invincible", as I said in my reply to the hon. Member for Harrogate (Mr. Banks) on 16th November 1977, it is not the normal practice to publish advance information, except for the current year, about planned acceptance dates for new ships.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the other roles of the Wessex helicopters to be replaced by the Chinook to which he referred in his reply to the hon. Member for Tynemouth of 24th February.

Mr. Wellbeloved

The other roles of these RAF Wessex helicopters are planned to be search and rescue, communications and training.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Whirlwind and Wessex helicopters will remain in the RAF search and rescue force after the introduction of the Sea Kings.

1. In Service:
(a) Aircraft … … (i) Carrier based—Buccaneers with bombs, rockets or Martel Phantoms with bombs, rockets.
(ii) Land based—Buccaneers with bombs, rockets or Martel.
(b) Helicopters … Wasp, with AS 12 missiles.
(c) Submarines … Conventional or nuclear submarines, armed with torpedoes.
2. Planned (Early 1980's):
(a) Aircraft … … (i) Ship borne—Sea Harrier with bombs, rockets or P3T missiles.
(ii) Land based—Buccaneers and Tornado with bombs, rockets or P3T missiles.
(b) Helicopters … Lynx, with Sea Skua.
(c) Submarines … USGW (Sub-Harpoon) for SSNs