HC Deb 20 May 1966 vol 728 c310W
Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many officers are now serving in the supplementary list of the Fleet Air Arm of the 8th, 12th, and 16th sea engagements, respectively.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

None on eight-year commissions; 176 on twelve-year commissions; 548 on sixteen-year commissions.

Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many officers on regular commissions are now flying fixed wing aircraft in the Fleet Air Arm.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

On 31st March, 1966, there were 171 qualified to fly fixed-wing aircraft.

Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many regular officers volunteered for fixed wing flying duties in the Fleet Air Arm during the first three months of 1966, and how many for the equivalent period of 1965.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

The time to volunteer is in July each year. In July, 1965, there were 20 volunteers.

Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many men in the Fleet Air Arm are involved in fixed wing flying, and how many in rotary wing flying.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

On 31st March, 1966, there were about 800 aircrew involved in fixed-wing flying and about 650 in rotary-wing flying.

Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many supplementary list officers would have to re-engage each year to maintain the present pilot strength of the Fleet Air Arm.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

This year, about 20; but this is only one of several factors affecting overall strength, and these may vary from year to year.