Written question asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 26 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 July 2002. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 1 July 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to renew the contract of the Joint Elementary Flying Training School at RAF Church Fenton.

Answer: Mr. Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to renew the contract of the Joint Elementary Flying Training School at RAF Church Fenton. [65389] Mr. Ingram: The contract with Babcock HCS to provide Firefly aircraft and instructors for the Joint Elementary Flying Training School, which operates at RAF Barkston Heath, RAF Cranwell, RAF Church Fenton and the School of Army Aviation at Middle Wallop, ends on 7 July 2003. The cost effective means of meeting the Joint Elementary Flying Training School's requirement after this will be to absorb the RAF element of the task, which is undertaken at Church Fenton, into the University Air Squadrons, where the majority of RAF pilots are already trained. The balance of the task has been the subject of a competition and a contract will be let shortly.

Secondary information