Written question asked by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Thursday, 13 December 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 December 2007. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 14 January 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement by the Prime Minister of 12 December 2007, Official Report, column 312, on Afghanistan, if he will define the phrase, next period of time, as used with reference to the deployment of Sea King, Chinook and Merlin helicopters to Afghanistan.

Answer: The deployment of additional Sea Kings to Afghanistan will be complete by April 2008. As I announced on 18 December 2007, Official Report, column 106WS, we expect the first Chinooks to be available for operations in 2009 and all eight from 2010. Merlin is currently deployed in Iraq; we are currently examining the balance of our helicopter force levels across theatres, and this will include the deployment of Merlin helicopters to Afghanistan in due course, subject to operational requirements.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 470 c873-4W; 175483
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Afghanistan
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Commons
Subjects: Peacekeeping operations Afghanistan
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk