HC Deb 01 July 1981 vol 7 c426W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has any plans to experiment with the operation of anti-submarine helicopters from merchant ships

Mr. Blaker

We take a close interest in the USN project ARAPAHO which seeks to use commercial container ships to deploy ASW helicopters, and possibly also VSTOL aicraft. Prototype work is proceeding in the United States and we hope to participate in sea trials in due course.