§ 25. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of State for Defence what consideration he has given to the future of the Fleet Air Arm and to the number of pilots still available; and whether he will retain it for the operation of fixed-wing aircraft.
§ Lord Balniel"Ark Royal's" aircraft will be flown in the main by Royal Navy aircrew but Royal Air Force aircrew will participate as necessary. Some adjustment will be made to the rundown of Fleet Air Arm officers and ratings but recruitment for fixed wing flying will not be re-opened. When the fixed-wing flying task has been completed, the Fleet 405 Air Arm will continue to operate rotary-wing aircraft from frigates and larger ships. This will be an important and increasing rôle.
§ Mr. Wingfield DigbyI congratulate my right hon. Friend on retaining naval air crews, who have a splendid record. How much will it be necessary to call in the R.A.F. towards the end of the extended life of the "Ark Royal"?
§ Lord BalnielIt is too soon to give such information, but there will be a gradual phasing in of R.A.F. crews.