HC Deb 28 February 1978 vol 945 cc173-4W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the reserve helicopters now earmarked to NATO for anti-submarine warfare will be organised as a squadron; and what is their present role.

Mr. Duffy

These helicopters would augment a squadron which is already committed to NATO. They are at present held in reserve to replace aircraft undergoing repairs or which may be destroyed.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence which Fleet Air Arm squadron operates Sea King helicopters from Royal Fleet Auxiliaries; and from which of these they operate.

Mr. Duffy

Sea King helicopters do not operate from RFAs at present other than on an occasional basis. A new squadron will form at the end of 1978 to operate from the larger RFAs.