Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Sadiq Khan (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 12 December 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Relief Effort (Pakistan)

Question: My right hon. Friend might be aware that I recently visited the areas affected by the earthquake in Pakistan, and I had the pleasure of meeting the Chinook teams working there around the clock. One of the contributions that he did not list was that our men and women can load and unload a Chinook faster than the Americans—we are doing three sorties a day. First, will he join me in congratulating our men and women? Secondly, will he consider speaking to our European colleagues, who, unfortunately, have been less generous than we have been? He will be aware that in that part of the world, at this time of the year, the help that we can give through our helicopters is much appreciated and needed.

Answer: My hon. Friend has seen this activity at first hand. I met the Chinook crews when they returned, and I was amazed at the amount of effort that they had put in. He is right about the capacity of our people, which is better than that of not just the Americans but everyone, to lift heavy quantities and to do more sorties than anyone else. As I understand it, the Americans cottoned on to what we are doing and have introduced the same lift techniques, and other allies are examining what we are doing, including the UN efforts. We have helped considerably in that specific area. I also saw off 59 Commando Royal Engineers and 42 Commando Royal Marines, who have gone to provide light engineering support. We have seen some of the playback of what they are doing. All the teams that we have sent out there are doing truly amazing work, all hours of the day, delivering essential humanitarian aid and support. Others should study what we are doing to see what more can be done. This is a critical area, and lives can be saved on the back of that effort. That is what our people are doing, and I will pass on my hon. Friend's warm words, which, I know, are echoed across this country.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 440 c1102
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Disaster relief Pakistan Chinook helicopters Earthquakes Military aid
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk