§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost per trainee of the basic vehicle mechanic course in (a) the Army, and (b) the Royal Air Force; and what progress is being made in collating all Service vehicle mechanic training.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe latest available costs, based on the year 1972–73 are: Army £1,417; Royal Air Force £615. These costs are not strictly comparable since each Service trains its vehicle mechanics to a different depth of knowledge. Unlike the Royal Air Force, the Army trains its vehicle mechanics with the maintenance of fighting vehicles in mind and also incorporates heavy goods vehicle driving training in its course.
156WThe co-location of all Service vehicle mechanic training is under active consideration.