HC Deb 13 November 1974 vol 881 cc155-6W
Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if British pilots will be seconded to fly any Jaguars delivered to the Omani Royal Air Force; and if there will be any conditions of service to prevent them from participating in counterinsurgency operations.

Mr. Mason

Apart from the possible provision of three RAF flying instructors on loan, there are no plans to provide British Service pilots for these aircraft. Personnel provided on loan are fully integrated into the Sultan's forces and take part in a wide range of duties including operations against the rebels in the Dhofar.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many British pilots have been engaged or seconded to fly Strikemaster jets on behalf of the Omani Royal Air Force in recent years.

Mr. Mason

The number of RAF pilots on loan to Oman capable of flying the Strikemaster has varied between seven and nine at any one time. I have no responsibility for those British pilots who have been employed directly by the Oman Government.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what training is currently being provided, under the auspices of Her Majesty's Government, for members of the Omani armed forces.

Mr. Mason

In Oman we are assisting in the training of the Sultan's armed forces both through the loan of British Service personnel and by means of British Service detachments, including a British Army training team. There are, in addition, members of the Sultan of Oman's armed forces training at Service establishments in this country.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is his policy towards the supply of British Strike-master jets to Oman; and if these have been used in counter-insurgency operations in Dhofar;

(2) what is his policy towards the supply of Jaguar aircraft to the Omani Royal Air Force.

Mr. Mason

It is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to consider sales of defence equipment to any friendly country subject to political, military, security and financial considerations, and our obligations to our allies. Her Majesty's Government are unable to comment on the deployment by the Sultanate of Oman of defence equipment purchased from the United Kingdom.