Written question asked by Shona McIsaac (Labour) on Thursday, 14 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 15 December 2000. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Friday, 15 December 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on Tucano aircraft and the training of pilots in Australia. - Including figures.

Answer: Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on Tucano aircraft and the training of pilots in Australia. [143420] Mr. Spellar: The Tucano recovery programme is proceeding to plan and full training capacity is expected to be available by the end of February 2001. Fifteen students are to complete their basic fast jet flying training in Australia with the Royal Australian Air Force, assisted by three RAF Qualified Flying Instructors. The first group of 10 students started flying training in Australia on 6 November and the arrangement is working well. The remaining five students will start their training on 29 January 2001.

Secondary information