HC Deb 01 May 1968 vol 763 cc192-3W
Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what rôle is planned for the Fleet Air Arm Phantom aircraft upon their transfer to the Royal Air Force in 1972 after the phase-out of the Royal Navy's fixed-wing carriers in view of the lack of a requirement in the Royal Air Force for all-weather interceptors in addition to the Lightning III aircraft.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Phantom FK4 aircraft will enter service with the R.A.F. in 1969 and the last of these naval aircraft will be transferred in 1972. These aircraft will continue to be used in the air defence rôle, including the air defence of the Fleet.

Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if it is his policy to fit the Fleet Air Arm Phantom aircraft with the necessary equipment for the close ground-support rôle after their transfer to the Royal Air Force in 1972; what is the estimated cost for rebuilding the aircraft accordingly; and what plans he has to provide a second air station for these additional Phantoms in view of the inability of Royal Air Force Station Coningsby to handle both Royal Air Force and former Naval Phantoms.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

No. Phantom F4K aircraft will continue to be used in the air defence rôle in the Royal Air Force and will continue to contribute to the protection of the Fleet. Plans for their deployment are still being worked out.

Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to provide additional Royal Air Force aircrews for former Naval aircraft upon their transfer from the Fleet Air Arm in 1972.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

No particular difficulties are foreseen in the long term in providing Royal Air Force aircrews to fly the Phantoms and Buccaneers to be transferred from the Royal Navy. During the transitional period, however, it will be helpful for the Royal Air Force to draw upon Naval personnel with experience of these aircraft. We hope, therefore, that a number of Naval pilots, engineer officers, aircraft controllers and ratings in certain specialised trades will serve with the Royal Air Force on loan, and there will be openings for some to transfer permanently, if they wish, to the Royal Air Force.

Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Fleet Air Arm officers have sought to transfer to the Royal Air Force during the past two years; and how many have indicated their willingness to seek transfers.

Mr. Foley

Four Fleet Air Arm officers have indicated their willingness and have sought transfer to the Royal Air Force during the past two years. Of these four officers two have been eligible for transfer.

Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what inducements are being offered to Fleet Air Arm personnel to transfer to the Royal Air Force; and whether an officer, upon being accepted for transfer, retains the same seniority in his rank that he held in the Royal Navy.

Mr. Foley

There are several schemes under which Fleet Air Arm personnel of certain ranks, seniorities and specialisations may transfer to the Royal Air Force. There are no special inducements; the attraction is the opportunity to continue a career connected with flying in the Armed Forces of the Crown. The seniority of officers accepted for transfer is adjusted, if necessary, to bring them into line with R.A.F. officers of comparable age or length of service.