asked the Minister for Justice the total amount paid and to whom it was paid for the lease of helicopters during the last five years.

The total amount paid in connection with the use of helicopters by my Department in the last five years was £55. It was paid to the Department of Defence in respect of helicopters provided for traffic control and searches for a missing person. By arrangement with that Department the only expenses paid are out-of-pocket expenses such as cost of fuel or of subsistence expenses of the crews.