HC Deb 07 February 2000 vol 344 cc32-3W
Mr. Collins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the quality of training of RAF pilots; and if he will make a statement. [108361]

Mr. Spellar

Assessment of the standards of training of RAF pilots is a continuous process. Pass rates are examined to ensure that they are correctly set in order that only suitable candidates graduate to the next stage of training and, eventually, to the front-line. Course syllabi are subject to review by both staff and students at the end of each course.

Last year the RAF adopted the Integrated Training Quality Management System; this assesses the efficacy of the flying training system by questioning pilots at each stage of the training on the suitability of the preceding course in preparing them for the next stage of training.

Mr. Collins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what sums were spent on training RAF pilots in (a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99 and (d) 1999–2000 and are planned for (e) 2000–01 and (f) 2001–02. [108363]

Mr. Spellar

The information is not available in the form requested. I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.