§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much the running of the University Air Squadron has cost in each of the last five years; where it has been based; how many students have benefited from it in each of the last five years; what fees are payable by the students; if any changes are planned in the future; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThere are 17 university air squadrons (UAS) located around the United Kingdom and the headquarters is at RAF Cranwell. Responsibility budgets were not in operation prior to financial year 1991–92 and therefore figures are not available. Direct cash costs for financial year 1991–92 were £9.2 million and £8.8 million for financial year 1992–93; 484 students joined the UASs in 1988; 446 in 1989; 496 in 1990; 452 in 1991 and 500 in 1992. Students do not pay fees to the UAS organisation and attend under a bursary scheme or cadetships. Southampton UAS is to relocate from Lee on Solent to Boscombe Down with effect from 19 April 1993.