§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence why the tail fins of Royal Air Force aircraft are in bright colours; what proportion of front-line fast jet squadrons have these colours applied; which other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation air force has adopted this policy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonMany RAF squadrons paint the tail fins (and other parts) of their aircraft with the insignia of their squadron or their squadron numbers. This helps to create an esprit de corps, and facilitates identification in564W peacetime. Although the RAF does not have a formal policy to identify aircraft in this way, all markings used have official approval. No record is kept of the number of front-line fast jet aircraft or squadrons with such insignia.
The policy of other NATO Governments and air forces on such markings is a matter for them, but I understand that it is normal practice for squadrons to identify aircraft with their own insignia.