HC Deb 15 February 1977 vol 926 cc189-90W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence in how many exercises the RAF transport force was involved in 1974, 1975 and 1976.

Mr. Wellbeloved

The RAF transport force provides airlift in support of exercises of all three Services. The number in 1976 was 218. In the time available it has not been possible to check the full details for 1974 and 1975, approximate figures for which are, 290 and 250 respectively.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the increase in charter requirements as a result of the rundown of the RAF transport force.

Mr. Wellbeloved

A contract has been placed for trooping flights between the United Kingdom and Gibraltar. In addition, just over a year ago ad hoc charter flights were arranged on three occasions for unit withdrawals and changeovers.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of transport flights to Germany and elsewhere was carried out by chartered aircraft in 1976 and how these percentages compare with the figures before the rundown of the RAF transport force.

Mr. Wellbeloved

In total, 26 per cent. of transport flights were carried out by civilian chartered aircraft in 1976. Of transport flights to Germany 52 per cent. were carried out in this way. This represents an increase of 5 per cent. and 9 per cent., respectively, compared with the figures before the rundown of the RAF air transport force. The increase is due to a reduction in the number of flights by RAF transport aircraft and not to any appreciable increase in the number of charter flights.