Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 25 October 2005.

Kashmir

Question: My Lords, with the greatest respect to the noble Baroness, Lady Williams, I ask whether it would not be a little more balanced view to recognise that once again the British Government have been in the forefront of the humanitarian relief effort; perhaps to suggest that the French Government, who have the largest fleet of helicopters in Europe, might join us in that humanitarian effort; and that the plethora of journalists might give up their helicopters and allow them to be used for relief?

Answer: My Lords, I join my noble friend in noting that it is important for all countries to do everything they can to support the relief effort. The three UK heavy-lift helicopters that have gone over are a significant proportion of our free capability at high readiness.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 674 c1068
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Deployment Disaster relief Iraq Helicopters Peacekeeping operations Pakistan Military aircraft USA Afghanistan Earthquakes Kashmir Military aid
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk