§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the cost of implementing additional flying training to date at Royal Air Force Topcliffe; what is the estimated total cost when complete; and if he will make a statement. [27162]
§ Mr. SoamesAs part of the Royal Air Force's flying training rationalisation programme, a change of task is being implemented at RAF Topcliffe. This change will not involve additional flying training at the station, but there has been and will be some relocation of units to and from the site. The estimated cost of the relocation of flying units to RAF Topcliffe is £460,000; the majority of these costs will be incurred in financial year 1995–96.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations his Department had with(a) local authorities, (b) local organisations and 194W (c) residents prior to upgrading the additional flying hours and training aircraft at Royal Air Force Topcliffe; and if he will make a statement. [27166]
§ Mr. SoamesThere has been no such consultation as no increase in flying hours or the number of training aircraft at RAF Topcliffe is planned as a result of the Royal Air Force's flying training rationalisation programme.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the increased number of(a) personnel, (b) aircraft by types and (c) flying hours when Royal Air Force Topcliffe has reached its additional training programme; and if he will make a statement. [27165]
§ Mr. SoamesNo increase is planned in the number of my Department's personnel, aircraft or flying hours flown at RAF Topcliffe. Future flying training at RAF Topcliffe will, however, be conducted on the Tucano aircraft, whereas previous flying training carried out at the station utilised the Firefly aircraft.