HC Deb 09 January 1985 vol 70 c459W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans further cuts in the Royal Air Force's fuel allowance.

Mr. Lee

No further cuts are planned for 1984–85.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what effects a 10 per cent. cut in the Royal Air Force fuel allowance will have on pilot flying training.

Mr. Lee

Some adjustments to the pattern of flying training of new pilots will be necessary but the number of pilots joining the front line from operational conversion units will not be affected.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what effects a 10 per cent. cut in the Royal Air Force fuel allowance will have on Support Command.

Mr. Lee

Some adjustments to the pattern of flying training of new pilots will be necessary.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much money he envisages saving by cutting the Royal Air Force's fuel allowance by 10 per cent.; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lee

The overspend to be corrected by this measure is over £20,000,000.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied that a 10 per cent. cut in the Royal Air Force fuel allowance will not impair the operational effectiveness of the United Kingdom-based air defence forces.

Mr. Lee

Yes.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied that a 10 per cent. cut in the Royal Air Force's fuel allowance will not impair the operational effectiveness of 18 Group.

Mr. Lee

Yes.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied that a 10 per cent. cut in the Royal Air Force's fuel allowance will not impair the operational effectiveness of the air force in the central front.

Mr. Lee

Yes.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why the Royal Air Force's fuel allowance has been cut.

Mr. Lee

The fuel allowance has been reduced in order to ensure that expenditure upon the Royal Air Force remains within the agreed level of funding for 1984–85.