§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the number of(a) EH101, (b) Lynx, (c) Sea King and (d) NH90 helicopters that have been ordered since 9 April 1987, giving the date the order was placed and the delivery or expected delivery date; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenFourty-four EH101 anti-submarine warfare helicopters were ordered in 1991 for delivery phased over 1996–2001. Sixteen Lynx helicopters were ordered in 1988 and were delivered between 1990 and 1992. Seven Sea King helicopters were ordered in 1987 and delivered between 1989 and 1990. Negotiations for the procurement of six Sea King helicopters announced by my predecessor on 19 February this year (Official Report, column 332) are almost complete. No NH90 helicopters have been ordered. The former Secretary of State for Defence explained on 9 April 1987 (Official Report, col. 470) that we were no longer participating in the NH90 programme.