asked the Minister for Defence if he will give a complete breakdown for 1979 of the estimate under subhead O-2 helicopters; and having regard to his replies to parliamentary questions Nos. 29 of 17 December 1980 and 404 of 24 June 1980, if he will give a breakdown of the expenditure under this subhead for (a) aircraft and equipment, giving type and details, (b) maintenance, (c) amount unspent; if he will explain the reasons for the full amount not being spent; if he will give similar information for 1980 and give a breakdown of the Estimate for 1981.
Written Answers. - Aircraft Expenditure.
124.
In 1979 a provision of £1,300,000 was included under subhead 0.2 — Helicopters—of the Defence Vote. The breakdown of the provision was as follows: (1) Aircraft and equipment, £917,250; (2) Maintenance, £382,750 — Total £1,300,000.
The expenditure against subhead 0.2 in 1979 was £1,078,833 made up as follows: (a) Aircraft and equipment, £515,854; (b) Maintenance, £562,979.
The expenditure included the purchase of a Gazelle type SA 342L single engined training helicopter. The saving, £221,167, was due to the fact that an order for maritime helicopters could not be placed in advance of an order for helicopter-conveying vessels.
In 1980 the provision under subhead 0.2—Helicopters—of the Defence Vote was £1,170,000. The breakdown of the provision was as follows: (1) Aircraft and equipment, £694,100; (2) Maintenance, £475,900—Total £1,170,000.
The expenditure against subhead 0.2 in 1980 was £1,051,277 made up as follows: (a) Aircraft and equipment, £505,832; (b) Maintenance, £545,445.
The expenditure included the purchase of a second Gazelle type training helicopter. The saving, £118,723, was due mainly to the fact that VAT on the purchase of the helicopter did not fall due for payment within the year, 1980.
For 1981, the provision under subhead 0.2—Aircraft—of the Defence Estimate is £2,330,000 made up as follows: (1) Aircraft and equipment, £1,230,000; (2) Maintenance, £1,100,000.
In 1981 provision in relation to fixed wing aircraft was transferred from subhead 0.1. to subhead 0.2.