§ Mr. TrotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many EH101 Merlin helicopters will be carried on each of the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers; how many were originally planned to be carried in this role; how aircraft carriers not to receive EH101 Merlin will carry out their anti-submarine warfare mission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenIt is not our policy to discuss numbers of aircraft deployed on individual ships. The 44 Merlin EH101 anti-submarine warfare helicopters ordered last year will enable us to set up training squadrons and introduce the first squadrons of aircraft into service with the type 23 frigate and one carrier. No decision has yet been taken on the size or timing of a second order. We currently envisage each of the aircraft carriers being provided with Merlin EH101 helicopters.