Written question asked by Crispin Blunt (Conservative) on Monday, 26 April 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 May 1999. It was answered by Doug Henderson (Labour) on Monday, 10 May 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, What proportion of RAF Strike Command is currently committed to operations. (Failed OPQ). - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of RAF Strike Command is currently committed to operations. [82606] Mr. Doug Henderson: As at 7 May 1999, approximately 8 per cent. of Strike Command's trained strength is currently deployed on operations. The figures represent personnel deployed away from their parent station and as such, do not account for personnel supporting operations from their normal station, such as those at RAF Bruggen. Similarly, the figures do not include personnel working at Strike Command or Group Headquarters who are involved as part of their normal tasks in planning activity in support of operations. It would not be straightforward to give an accurate figure which included these personnel.

Secondary information