§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the future of the RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine;
(2) what are his plans for the future of the speciality of aviation medicine;
(3) if the RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine will continue with its present range of activities with particular reference to the full extent of its research work.
§ Mr. AitkenIn March this year, I endorsed a decision to bring together under the management of the chief executive of the Defence Research Agency all elements in the Ministry of Defence dealing with human factors research, including the RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine.
The RAF speciality of aviation medicine will continue under the control of the Director General of Medical Services (RAF).
The DRA has formed these elements into a new centre for human sciences which will seek to preserve the already well-established reputation and skill of establishments including the Institute of Aviation Medicine and build on these to offer a comprehensive and expert service to customers both inside and outside my Department.
These activities remain vote funded by my Department and staff conditions of service remain unchanged. It is planned, however, that by 1 April 1996 at the latest, all human factors research will be formally absorbed into the DRA's trading fund and under this regime it is for customers ultimately to decide what research they are prepared to pay for, although a strong demand and continued support of current activities is anticipated. No decisions have yet been taken about the final location of such work, although staff will be fully consulted before any changes are made.