§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence if there have been any accidents involving the RAF's Chinook helicopters.
§ Mr. FreemanThere have been two major accidents involving RAF Chinook helicopters. Details of the first, on 14 November 1984, are contained in a military aircraft accident summary, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. The second occurred on 13 May this year when 63W a helicopter crashed in extreme weather in the Falkland Islands. A board of inquiry is examining the circumstances of this accident and it would not therefore be appropriate for me to comment further.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence if the RAF has experienced any technical problems with its Chinook helicopters.
§ Mr. FreemanTechnical problems are to be expected in maintaining and operating any sophisticated equipment. Such technical problems as have been encountered with the RAF's Chinook helicopters have not affected the operational capability of this aircraft.