§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to complete the increase in the unit establishment of Nos. 3 and 4 Squadrons Royal Air Force from 12 to 18 aircraft; and if the numbers of pilots assigned to these units will be increased proportionately to the numbers of aircraft. [37539]
§ Mr. SoamesOn 14 July 1994 the then Secretary of State for Defence announced our intention to increase RAF operational force levels by moving 12 Harrier GR7 aircraft from the reserve fleet to the front line. The aircraft establishment of Nos. 1, 3 and 4 Squadrons RAF will increase from 12 to 15 aircraft, and each of these squadrons will receive a further additional aircraft to provide an in-use reserve. This will be completed by 1 April 1996. Aircrew numbers in these squadrons will increase in line with these enhancements.