Written question asked by Lord Bellingham (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 July 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 July 2007. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 16 July 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Afghanistan

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he next expects to discuss with military commanders the helicopter lift requirements for operations in Afghanistan.

Answer: I meet frequently with military commanders to discuss operations in Afghanistan and we keep our force levels and equipment requirements under constant review. We have sufficient helicopters to undertake the key tasks required of them but we all recognise that operational commanders would be able to do more with additional resources. For that reason, we have announced the purchase of six additional Merlin Helicopters and the conversion and earlier availability of eight Chinooks.

Secondary information