DARA ALMONDBANK

That this House respects the important role played by the DARA Rotary Wing and Components business at Almondbank near Perth, which provides in-depth maintenance, repair and overhaul of components for the UK's military helicopter fleet; applauds the management and workforce at DARA for creating what has become a world-class centre of excellence; recognises the important role played by helicopters at the front line of modern conflicts; notes that an announcement is expected from the Government on 15th December on the future of DARA; regrets that far from protecting the critical work that DARA does to keep helicopters flying, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) seems set to sell the organisation to the private sector with the sole bidder being the small Canadian company, Vector Aerospace, in a decision which would mean the permanent loss of helicopter support to the MoD and would be effectively exporting the intellectual property and design skills required to maintain operational sovereignty; welcomes the proposals submitted by the Joint Trade Unions which through measures such as mobile repair teams, integrating service personnel into the business would ensure the long term viability and success of the business inside the MoD; and urges the Minister responsible for the decision to give her support to the unions' proposals which will protect jobs, technologies and armed forces personnel.