RAF Strike Command

HC Deb 10 May 1999 vol 331 c18W

27. Mr. Blunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of RAF Strike Command is currently committed to operations. [82606]

Mr. Doug Henderson

As at 7 May 1999, approximately 8 per cent. of Strike Command's trained strength is currently deployed on operations.

The figures represent personnel deployed away from their parent station and, as such, do not account for personnel supporting operations from their normal station, such as those at RAF Bruggen. Similarly, the figures do not include personnel working at Strike Command or Group Headquarters who are involved as part of their normal tasks in planning activity in support of operations. It would not be straightforward to give an accurate figure which included these personnel.