All 1 Debates between Tony Cunningham and Peter Luff

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tony Cunningham and Peter Luff
Monday 13th December 2010

(13 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Tony Cunningham Portrait Tony Cunningham (Workington) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

16. What studies his Department has undertaken on the feasibility of operating the existing fleet of Sea King search and rescue helicopters beyond 2016; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Luff Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Peter Luff)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

As part of the review of the search and rescue helicopter project a number of options have been considered, including extending the current search and rescue Sea King helicopters beyond 2016. An announcement will be made shortly.

Tony Cunningham Portrait Tony Cunningham
- Hansard - -

I thank the Minister for that answer, but will he explain why he plans to spend about £7 billion on American search and rescue helicopters rather than upgrade the Sea Kings at a fraction of the cost? Sea Kings did an incredible job during the flooding in my constituency.

Peter Luff Portrait Peter Luff
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Apart from anything else, that is the plan we inherited. However, I assure the hon. Gentleman that all options are being considered extremely carefully. I repeat that an announcement will be made shortly.