§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many helicopters which served in the Gulf were painted in desert colours; how many such helicopters have been re-painted in ordinary camouflage; how many helicopters will be painted in desert colours for the fly-past in June; what is the cost of painting desert colours on the helicopters which will take part in the fly-past; and how many helicopters painted in desert colours will be re-painted in ordinary camouflage after the fly-past.
§ Mr. Archie Hamilton[holding answer 3 June 1991]: All British helicopters deployed to the Gulf were painted in desert camouflage. About half have already had, or will shortly have, this paint removed. The remainder will be repainted in normal camouflage colours as they undergo scheduled overhauls. No helicopters will be repainted specifically for the fly-past, although the desert colours of some of those taking part may need to be touched up for anti-corrosion purposes. The cost of this will be minimal.