HC Deb 08 March 1995 vol 256 cc254-5W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the approximate annual cost of the training of Oxford university air squadron at RAF Benson; and which organisation finances these costs.

Mr. Soames

The current estimate of expenditure by Oxford university air squadron during this financial year is £436,000. This expenditure is funded by my Department with costs falling to the Royal Air Force college, Cranwell's budget.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the RAF bases which offer training to university air squadrons and the approximate annual cost of the training in each case.

Mr. Soames

A list of university air squadrons based at RAF bases and airfields, together with estimates of expenditure during the present financial year, are as follows:

University Air Squadron Airfield Estimate ofexpenditure £000
Aberdeen Dundee and St. Andrews RAF Leuchars 536
University of Birmingham Air Squadron RAF Cosford 549
Bristol Colerne Airfield 758
East Lowlands RAF Turnhouse 507
East Midlands RAF Newton 721
Liverpool RAF Woodvale 457
University of London RAF Benson 1,094
Manchester and Salford RAF Woodvale 700
Northumbrian RAF Leeming 514
Oxford RAF Benson 436
Southampton RAF Boscombe Down 680
University of Wales Air Squadron RAF St. Athan 504
Yorkshire RAF Finningley1 618
1Should the decision be taken to close RAF Finningley, the Yorkshire UAS would relocate to RAF Church Fenton.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training facilities are available for Oxford university air squadron at RAF Benson.

Mr. Soames

At present, the Oxford university air squadron operates five Bulldog aircraft from RAF Benson. Generally, a full three year training syllabus comprises 99 hours of individual tuition on the aircraft. The squadron's working accommodation consists of a hangar, offices and a briefing facility. In addition, members have access to the infrastructure of an RAF operational base and the opportunity which that provides for training.