§ Mr. Bellinghamasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the replacement for the aviation training ship Royal Fleet Auxiliary Engadine.
§ Mr. LeeI am pleased to announce that, following competition, a contract is being placed today with Harland and Wolff of Belfast to purchase and convert the MV Contender Bezant to be an aviation training ship to replace the RFA Engadine. The ship is due to enter service during 1986 and will be able to operate six Sea King helicopters and to ferry 12 Sea Harriers. Manned by the RFA, it will provide greatly improved facilities primarily for training helicopter pilots and observers at sea.