§ Mr. Quentin DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many flying hours were flown by the Fleet Air Arms in(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98, (d) 1998–99 and (e) 1999–2000; and what is the (i) budget and (ii) planning assumption for 2000–01. [122114]
§ Mr. SpellarThe answer is as follows:
Fleet Air Arm flying hours Total hours flown 1995–96 57,593 1996–97 54,065 1997–98 56,679 1998–99 53,532 1999–2000 55,346 On current planning, in Financial Year 2000–01, some 63,000 flying hours are expected to be flown by Fleet Air Arm aircraft which now come under Commodore Naval Aviation, Joint Helicopter Command and Joint Harrier Force. The total estimated fuel budget for these aircraft for this year is in the order of £8.8 million. This will of course be subject to adjustment in the light of operational and other considerations.