HC Deb 21 December 1966 vol 738 cc321-2W
75. Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Air Force pilots have been posted to the Fleet Air Arm.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

During 1966, nine R.A.F. pilots have volunteered for posting to the Fleet Air Arm to meet Naval requirements. All have settled down well.

Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total present shortage of naval officer aircrew for Fleet Air Arm fixed-wing squadrons.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

All Fleet Air Arm fixed-wing squadrons are fully manned. It has, however, been necessary for 17 volunteer R.A.F. aircrew to be loaned to the Fleet Air Arm to achieve this. Naval aircrew recruiting is up to target and except for a small additional loan of R.A.F. navigators in 1967 the need for further R.A.F. assistance is not foreseen.