asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many helicopters are used in public service roles by the police, fire and ambulance services in Greater London.

Last year the Metropolitan Police hired helicopters for about 1,300 hours of operational flying, including help for the City of London Police when necessary. The London Fire Brigade looks to the Armed Services or Metropolitan Police for help, when required; the brigade made no use of a helicopter last year. I understand that the London Ambulance Service has hired helicopters twice during the last two years.