§ 55. Mr. Wiggasked the Secretary of State for War the basis on which he assessed the cost of training a jet fighter pilot; and whether he consulted the Secretary of State for Air before he announced the result of his assessment.
§ Mr. HeadI gave the figure of £98,000 to illustrate the cost to the State of the training and flying experience of a highly qualified pilot, a squadron leader of some five or six years' experience. This estimate included some £15,000 for his training as a jet fighter pilot and £70,000 for the cost of subsequent operational flying: the remaining sum covers pay, allowances, etc.
72WI am sure that the hon. Member will be glad to know that this particular figure was given to me by my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Air long before I mentioned it on 6th June.