Written question asked by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 December 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 January 2010. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 14 January 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Air Force

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 15 December 2009, Official Report, columns 801-02, on future defence programmes, what assessment has been made of the effects on the Royal Air Force's elements at readiness strategy of the reduction in Tornado and Harrier squadrons.

Answer: An analysis of defence priorities was carried out which concluded it was possible to drawdown the overall size of our Fast Jet Forces earlier than expected. As a result of this analysis, it was decided to make a reduction in the size of the Harrier force by one squadron and therefore close RAD Cottesmore and consolidate the Harrier force at RAF Wittering.Reducing the size of the Harrier force earlier than planned will not affect current operations, as the Tornado GR4 (the aircraft that replaced Harrier on Op HERRICK earlier this year) is proving to be extremely effective in Afghanistan.As announced on 15 December, we plan to reduce our Tornado and Harrier force by a further one or two squadrons but decisions on the make-up of our future force will be taken in the defence review.The MOD does not comment on the state of readiness of its force elements as this would constitute a risk to operational security.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 503 c1101W; 309282
Session: 2009-10
Related items: Future Defence Programme
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Commons
Subjects: Military aircraft Harrier aircraft Tornado aircraft
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk