§ Lord Mottistoneasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in view of a recent Ministry of Defence statement that, on the introduction of a multi-role aircraft for the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force in 2012, it would be logical to draw aircrew from the same service, they can give an assurance that there will always continue to be opportunities for naval warfare officers to specialise in fixed wing flying from aircraft carriers. [HL1326]
§ Lord GilbertThe aircraft in JF2000 will be operated in both the land and maritime environments and will be staffed by personnel from the RN and RAF. There will be continued opportunities for naval officers to specialise in fixed wing aircraft operating from aircraft carriers.