Written question asked by Keith Mans (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 March 1997. It was answered by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 March 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: Statement on what plans he has for the use of the RAF's Reserve personnel.

Answer: Mr. Mans: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the use of the RAF's Reserve personnel; and if he will make a statement. [21154] Mr. Soames: I am delighted to announce that three new Royal Auxiliary Air Force squadrons are to be formed. An Air Transportable Surgical Squadron will form at Royal Air Force Leuchars on 1 April 1997, with an establishment of 71 reservist personnel. Two Training and Standardisation Squadrons are also to be formed--the first at Royal Air Force Halton also on 1 April 1997, with an establishment of 21 personnel, and the second at Royal Air Force Shawbury on 1 June 1997, with an establishment of nine. In addition, the establishment of No. 4624 (County of Oxford) Movements Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force based at Royal Air Force Brize Norton will increase by 69 posts from 1 April 1997. From the same date, the establishment of the Inspectorate Royal Auxiliary Air Force also at Royal Air Force Brize Norton will increase from two posts to four. The new Role Support Squadron concept, which I announced in the House last year with the formation of the Helicopter Support Squadron, is developing in an encouraging way.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 21154; 292 c506W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Armed forces Deployment Air force Staff Reserve forces Royal Auxiliary Air Force