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The cost of the existing helicopter squadron in Hong Kong and the proposals for an increase in establishment are not directly related to the current defence contribution being made by the Hong Kong Government towards the costs of British troops stationed in the Colony. The current arrangement introduced in April 1967 for a four year period provides for payments totalling £4.525M annually and is described in the statement on Defence Estimates (1967)(Cmnd 3203) Chapter I, paragraph 30 (page 7).
5. As regards serviceability, the Whirlwind 10 engine performance has caused some concern in FEAF in redent months and for a short period this year operations by Whirlwinds in FEAF generally were subject to restrictions which have since been lifted. The cause of engine "rundown" in FEAF Whirlwinds has been under investigation: one cause which has been isolated is the ingress of water into the engine. A rain water extractor fairing has been designed to overcome this and is being fitted to all FEAF aircraft. The Air Commander temporarily restricted Whirlwind flights to Search and Rescue, Operational and mandatory training only, but this restriction has now been lifted. Although there was considerable concern regarding the Far East Whirlwind engine rundowns, their incident rate was comparable to that in the UK. Investigations are continuing but there is, as yet, no firm indication of any other causes of engine rundown which have occurred throughout the Whirlwind fleet.
6. Mr. Howarth visited Hong Kong under Ministry of Defence arrangements in company with other Parliamentarians in September this year when he was no doubt given some briefing on the helicopter situation.
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