Written question asked by Robert Key (Conservative) on Monday, 15 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 March 2010. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Monday, 22 March 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

RAF Coningsby

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the fast jet test and evaluation advice available at RAF Coningsby is provided in-house.

Answer: On 1 April 2010, the Fast Jet Test Squadron, currently based at MOD Boscombe Down, will complete its merger with 17 (Reserve) and 41 (Reserve) Squadrons. Under this new arrangement, most fast jet test flying will be conducted by the two RAF squadrons at RAF Coningsby. Evaluation advice will be provided jointly by QinetiQ and MOD personnel at RAF Coningsby and MOD Boscombe Down. A fast jet experimental flight, and the fast jets owned by QinetiQ, will remain at MOD Boscombe Down.

Secondary information