§ Mr. Frank CookTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence which airspace areas will be used for RAF electronic warfare training; how the costs of any additional transit flying by contractors' aircraft will be met; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyElectronic warfare (EW) training for RAF aircraft may take place anywhere in the United Kingdom air defence region. Under the proposal to contractorise EW training the amount of transit flying will depend on the contractor's choice of airbase, and is a factor which has been taken into account during the tender evaluation. As officials from my Department are in the final stages of tender selection, it would not be appropriate to give any further details.