§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are for the ASW Sea King Mk6 when it is taken out of service; and if he will make a statement. [85359]
§ Mr. IngramThe Sea King Mark 6 Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft are being replaced progressively by the Westland/Agusta EH101 Merlin Mkl aircraft. Of the original fleet of 48 Sea King Mk 6, 13 are still in active service with the Royal Navy and as yet no decision has been made about their future, 22 have been re-designated as Ground Instructional Aircraft, six are undergoing conversion to MK6c to supplement the Sea King Helicopter Commando Mk4 fleet and seven are awaiting disposal.