Written question asked by Lord Harper (Conservative) on Wednesday, 18 April 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 April 2007. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 May 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq: Peace Keeping Operations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps will be taken to replace the UK helicopters involved in a collision north of Baghdad on 14 April 2007.

Answer: At the time of the accident on 14 April 2007, a scheduled roulement of aircraft was being conducted in Iraq. As a result of the accident, and in order to minimise the capability gap, one aircraft due to return to the UK as part of this roulement was extended in theatre to provide partial cover for the shortfall. The remaining shortfall is being covered by management of the fleet in theatre until a replacement airframe is sent from Joint Helicopter Command’s UK holdings, expected to be on 17 May 2007.

Secondary information