§ Sir Eldon GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police forces have helicopters; how much approximately this costs; what arrangements there are for police helicopters to share RAF and Army bases, facilities and training; and if he will consider organising a police-led civilian helicopter fleet to assist fire and ambulance services as well as the police.
§ Mr. Peter LloydSome 16 police forces in England and Wales use helicopters, which are expected to cost about £7.5 million this year. Police helicopter operations are governed by Civil Aviation Authority regulations and meet civil rather than military training requirements. Forces may, however, make local arrangements to have access to military bases and facilities.
122WA study of police needs for air support, which was commissioned by the Home Office, has recommended that air support should be available to all forces. It concluded that the most effective and economic way of providing the service was by collaboration between police forces and with other emergency services. Discussions are in progress with the Association of Chief Police Officers, the local authority associations and with other emergency services on how best to take matters forward.