§ Mr. Duncan SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Lynx helicopters are in reserve. [121601]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 11 May 2000]: As of 10 May 2000, the Ministry of Defence has a total of 203 Lynx helicopters. All aircraft are rotated through a routine of operational use and regular maintenance, including update work such as the conversion from Mk 3 to Mk 8. There are no Lynx helicopters held as a "reserve", although some aircraft in maintenance are characterised, for fleet management purposes, as an In-Use Reserve.
§ Mr. Duncan SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons the number of Royal Navy Lynx helicopters has been decreased to 59. [121599]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 11 May 2000]: The Royal Navy has 59 Lynx helicopters available for front-line units, sufficient for our current operational requirements. Other Naval Lynx are undergoing routine deep maintenance or conversion work.