§ Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is now able to make a statement on the future of the search and rescue helicopter flight which was temporarily moved from Lee-on-Solent to Portland during the Falkland Islands crisis.
§ Mr. WigginPrior to the Falkland Islands campaign there was an autonomous search and rescue flight of three aircraft at Lee-on-Solent. As from 14 February 1983 the same SAR cover will be provided by a detachment of two aircraft from 772 squadron, with personnel for immediate maintenance needs, based at Lee-on-Solent but relying on the parent squadron for further back-up and the provision of a spare aircraft if needed. Longer-term arrangements are under review.