Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 November 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 November 2009. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Monday, 30 November 2009 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he made of the flying hours of (a) UK and (b) coalition partners' helicopters and aircrew in Afghanistan in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Since November 2006, there has been a 95 per cent. increase in UK battlefield helicopter flying hours, and further increases are planned over the coming months, in line with enhancements to our helicopter capability.In addition, and as part of the wider NATO effort, US, Dutch, Canadian and Australian helicopters are available to commanders in southern Afghanistan. Details of the flying hours undertaken by our Allies are not available, but I can confirm that their helicopters, along with the UK's, are an essential part of the multinational pool available to Regional Commander (South) and they continue to make a significant contribution to operational tasking.

Secondary information