§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance his Department is giving to aid the flood victims in Mozambique; and at what cost. [113342]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Ministry of Defence is providing four RAF Puma helicopters with around 100 support personnel, and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary FORT GEORGE with five RN Sea King helicopters to assist in the flood relief efforts in Mozambique.
The overall no loss costs (which exclude salaries and other sunk costs) are yet to be finalised. Assuming a two-week deployment, we expect the additional costs for the Pumas to be up to £1.8 million, and up to £1.4 million for FORT GEORGE. Exceptionally, £615,000 of the costs of the Pumas will be offset by the MOD against the costs of the exercise in Norway from which the helicopters have been withdrawn. The remainder will be borne by the Department for International Development.
§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military helicopters have been sent to Mozambique and South Africa to provide humanitarian aid for flood victims. [113300]
§ Mr. SpellarThe UK has sent a total of nine military helicopters to provide assistance to the international relief efforts in Mozambique. This comprises four RAF Pumas and five RN Sea King helicopters on board Royal Fleet Auxiliary FORT GEORGE. The Puma aircraft travelled via South Africa en route to Mozambique.