HC Deb 05 December 1978 vol 959 cc612-3W
Mr. Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the shortfall in the Royal Navy's requirement for helicopter pilots in the Fleet Air Arm.

Mr. Duffy:

There is a current overall shortage of 57 aircrew officers and at 25th October 1978 36 posts exclusively earmarked for helicopter pilots were vacant.

Mr. Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current financial inducement to helicopter pilots serving on eight-year engagements in the Fleet Air Arm to change to a 12-year engagement (a) during and (b) on completion of their existing negagements and if he intends to increase the sums involved.

Mr. Duffy:

Helicopter pilots in the Royal Navy who enter on short service commissions engage to serve for 12 years with an option to leave after eight years. The tax-free gratuities payable to those who leave after eight and 12 years' service is, respectively £5,200 and £7,800, a difference of £2,600. These sums will not be reviewed before 1st April 1979.

Mr. Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Fleet Air Arm helicopter pilots are currently serving in the Royal Navy; and what are the figures for each year since 1974.

Mr. Duffy:

The following are the numbers of helicopter pilots of lieutenant-commander rank and below, exclusive of officers under new entry training, serving in the Royal Navy:

1st April 1974 536
1st April 1975 525
1st April 1976 529
1st April 1977 546
1st April 1978 519
1st October 1978 507

Mr. Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Fleet Air Arm helicopter pilots have left the service after (a) eight-year and (b) 12-year engagements in the annual periods since 1974.

Mr. Duffy:

The following number of helicopter pilots have exercised their option to leave the Service:

Year After 8 years After 12 years
1974–75 12 —
1975–76 19 2
1976–77 8 10
1977–78 10 9
1st April to 30th September1978 6 3

Mr. Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Fleet Air Arm helicopter pilots are currently seeking premature release from their service engagements.

Mr. Duffy:

Currently 21 pilots have applied for premature release and it may be assumed that the majority of these are qualified helicopter pilots.