To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the future of manufacturing of Chinook helicopters in the UK; and if he will make a statement. (309481)

The intent to purchase 22 new Chinook helicopters was announced on 15 December 2009, Official Report, columns 99-100WS. The place of final assembly of these helicopters will be decided later this year, and will be based on ensuring that the aircraft are delivered at the rate and quality required and in the most cost-effective manner. Through-life support of our Chinook fleet will continue to be carried out in the UK with our industrial partners.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the first Chinook reverted from HC3 to HC2 will be deployed to Afghanistan. (308612)

The first of eight Chinook HC3 aircraft, reverted to HC2 Support Helicopter standard, was delivered for training purposes in November 2009, and is therefore already fulfilling tasking commitments as part of the wider Chinook fleet. A second Chinook is scheduled for delivery shortly, when it will also be available for training purposes. The remaining six aircraft will be delivered during the course of 2010 and delivery is expected to be complete by the end of the year. This will allow us to deploy more Chinooks to Afghanistan in the course of 2010.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many combat-ready helicopters are stationed at the British Sovereign Base Area of (a) Akrotiri and (b) Dhekelia. (309084)

There are no combat-ready helicopters stationed at the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri or Dhekelia.