§ Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps have recently been taken to allow Army cadets to gain experience of helicopter operations in the south-west of England without a disproportionate increase in helicopter usage. [HL1849]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanNo specific steps have recently been taken. Every effort is made to allow cadet units to gain experience of helicopter operations but such training is always arranged on anad hoc basis. A cadet unit may request the use of a helicopter for a particular activity but every such request will be considered in the light of other helicopter commitments and the availability of flying hours.
§ Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether providing cadets with experience of helicopter operations is of benefit to the cadet units in terms of retention and meeting their organisations' objectives. [HL1850]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanHelicopter operations are among the exciting activities which help to improve recruitment and retention to the cadet forces, but there is no specific objective which states that helicopter training is a requirement for cadet units. The use of helicopters for cadets is arranged subject to the availability of aircraft and as part of the aircraft's normal operational training hours.