§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence which UK air squadrons are at full complement; what proportion this represents of the total; and if he will make a statement. [6957]
§ Mr. IngramI have assumed this question relates to pilots and navigators only. As at early October 2001, 19 squadrons out of a total of 72 were at full complement. This represents 26 per cent. of the total. In total, 40 squadrons (56 per cent.) were manned at 90 per cent. or better. The shortfall in aircrew is a well-recognised problem and the Ministry of Defence is taking a number of measures to address.
The squadrons at full complement are: 3, 8, 78, 84, 99, 201, 654, 655, 656, 663, 664, 665, 669, 771, 801, 820, 845, 846, 849.
As well as these, the following squadrons are manned at 90–99 per cent.: 1, 4, 13, 14, 22, 23, 32, 39, 47, 51, 54, 70, 101, 202, 206, 216, 662, 702, 815, 819, 848.