§ Mr. Alasdair MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the number, type and location of Royal Navy and Royal Air Force helicopters available for civilian rescue work in Scotland. [25982]
§ Dr. ReidAll MOD helicopters, depending on military commitments, are available to assist the civil community in an emergency situation. The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force provide dedicated Search and Rescue helicopter cover for Scotland from the following locations:
Service Location Type Number Royal Navy HMS Gannet, Prestwick Sea King 2 Royal Air Force RAF Lossiemouth, Morayshire Sea King 2 Royal Air Force RAF Boulmer, Northumbria Sea King 2 In addition, based in Scotland there are a further seven Sea Kings at HMS Gannet in the Anti-Submarine Warfare role and the Territorial Army have four Gazelles at RAF Leuchars. These helicopters may be supplemented by other MOD helicopters based elsewhere in the UK if necessary. This includes a Chinook helicopter at RAF Odiham and a Puma helicopters at RAF Benson, both on "national standby".