Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Peter Luff and Brian H. Donohoe

Monday 16th July 2012 Commons Chamber

[Peter Luff]

The Department is currently exploring options for upgrading the mark 3 and 3A helicopters as part of an assessment phase for the Merlin life sustainment programme. It will look at obsolescence issues and the ship optimisation upgrades needed for routine operation at sea. All options are still being considered, so I cannot tell my hon. Friend what he wants to know until the conclusions are available. The decision on exactly how many Apache helicopters will be upgraded will be taken at a later date, but we plan to sustain their capability until their out-of-service date, which is 2040.

[Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Central Ayrshire) (Lab)]

The Minister will know of my sincere wish to see air-sea rescue remain within the Department. What contingency plans, if any, does he have on helicopters as far as air-sea rescue is concerned?

[Peter Luff]

I have every confidence that my hon. Friends in the Department for Transport will secure that facility very successfully during the competition they are running.