HC Deb 18 January 2000 vol 342 cc402-3W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Defence Evaluation Research Agency. [105623]

Mr. Spellar

I refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Dunfermline, West

Requirement1,2 Trained strength3 +/-
All ranks—Fast Jet 882 857 -25
All ranks—Multi Engine/Rotary Wing 1,315 1,360 +45
Total 2,197 2,217 +20
Junior Officer Pilot4—Fast Jet 554 459 -95
1 Includes non-flying posts for which aircrew experience and knowledge are required. The majority of these non-flying posts require senior officers.
2 1 April 2000.
3 1 December 1999.
4 Flight lieutenant (and squadron leader specialist aircrew) and below included in all ranks total. This is the RAF's most critical manning category.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many qualified(a) fast jet and (b) support aircraft RAF pilots are currently undertaking non-flying duties. [105619]

Mr. Spellar

The number of qualified pilots who, on 1 December 1999, were not filling specific flying appointments, was as follows:

Number
All ranks—Fast Jet 298
All ranks—Multi Engine and Rotary Wing 428
Total 726

These pilots were either filling ground appointments or were on approved Manning and Training Margin activity, which included those undertaking further flying training.