HC Deb 25 October 1995 vol 264 c671W
Mr. Alan Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions in 1994–95 the royal flight was used by members of the royal family; and how many of these flights were by fixed-wing aircraft. [38862]

Mr. Soames

During the financial year 1994–95, the Queen's flight was used by the royal family on 870 occasions; 479 of these flights were in fixed-wing aircraft.

Mr. Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes have taken place since 1992 in the organisation of the royal flight and in the methods of allocating and seconding costs. [38861]

Mr. Soames

On 1 April 1995, following a Cabinet Office efficiency scrutiny of royal and VIP communications flying, the Queen's flight amalgamated and collocated with No. 32 Squadron at RAF Northolt to form No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron. Prior to financial year 1994–95, costs represented the total operating costs of TQF, but included some flying by entitled non-royal users which could not be separately identified because of disproportionate cost. From financial year 1995–96 onwards, costs are calculated on the proportionate usage by entitled members of the royal family of No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron. The general costing philosophy remains as before. From 1995–96, private flying by the royal family becomes a charge to the Privy purse and no longer falls to class I votes.