§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the Government have to provide training for(a) helicopter pilots in the armed forces and (b) civilian helicopter pilots to assist in an airlift operation in the event of a major emergency. [174675]
§ Mr. IngramIn preparation for operational deployments, military helicopter aircrews, both regular and reserve, are fully trained and equipped to meet a wide variety of contingencies. Their skills could be used for airlift operations in the event of a major emergency. The Ministry of Defence has no current plans to train civilian helicopter pilots.
§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Government expect to be able to guarantee that the Civil Contingency Reaction Force communications system is compatible with the communications system used by the emergency services. [174686]
§ Mr. IngramAs part of the Government's wider strategy to improve communications in the event of an emergency or crisis, the armed forces have procured communications equipment that is compatible with that used by the emergency services. Use of the system is dependent on availability of the commercially provided network infrastructure. Initial capability is available now with full capability expected in April 2006.
§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether an Army standby unit is ready to help the emergency services immediately in the event of a serious national emergency. [174689]
§ Mr. IngramThe armed forces do not maintain units on standby specifically to respond immediately to a national emergency. Nonetheless, in the event of an emergency or crisis, and assuming the civil authorities asked for it, the armed forces would be able to provide support drawing on the most appropriate resources available at the time, which could include regular and Civil Contingency Reaction Force assets.