Asked by: David T C Davies (Conservative - Monmouth)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people were in the (a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Air cadet forces in the most recent period for which figures are available.
Answered by Julian Brazier
The following table sets out the strength of the four Cadet forces sponsored by the Ministry of Defence as at 1 April 2014, the latest date available:
Cadets | Adult Volunteers | Total | |
Army Cadet Force | 41,040 | 9,440 | 50,480 |
Sea Cadet Corps | 13,630 | 5,920 | 19,550 |
Air Training Corps | 33,590 | 10,430 | 44,020 |
Combined Cadet Force | 42,950 | 2,810 | 45,760 |
The Ministry of Defence publishes annual statistics on UK reserve forces and cadet strengths. The latest release, entitled “TSP7 - UK Reserve Forces and Cadets” was published on 29 May 2014, and includes data as at 1 April 2014. It can be found at the following address: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-reserve-forces-and-cadets-strengths-2014
Detailed analysis of the strength and composition of the Cadet Forces can be found in Tables 8 to 11 of TSP7, including figures going back to 2004.
Asked by: David T C Davies (Conservative - Monmouth)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what restrictions there are on aircraft wanting to take off and land at Rhoose Airport, Cardiff.
Answered by Anna Soubry
I have taken the hon. Member's question to refer to the work which the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is undertaking in support of the Welsh Government’s initiative to develop an Air Business Park at MOD St Athan.
Under existing arrangements, while the new airfield contractor completes work-up training, the airfield is available for take offs and landings from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm and, with 24 hours notice on Saturday and Sunday between the same hours. Arrangements to operate outside these hours may be made by prior request, subject to manpower availability. To support these arrangements the RAF is providing additional air traffic controllers, at the Welsh Governments request. We understand that the Welsh Government’s intention is to provide airfield opening hours of 9 am to 5 pm, 7 days per week, from December 2014.
Asked by: David T C Davies (Conservative - Monmouth)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will assess his Department's relationship with private companies based at MOD St Athan.
Answered by Anna Soubry
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) fully understands the importance of this development in Wales, and is therefore working with the Welsh Government to ensure the success of the transition to a wholly civil operation by 2019. However, since the private companies based at MOD St Athan are clients of the Welsh Government, the only relationships which they hold are with the Welsh Government.
Asked by: David T C Davies (Conservative - Monmouth)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the aircraft landing system at Rhoose Airport, Cardiff, is fully functioning.
Answered by Anna Soubry
I have taken the hon. Member's question to refer to the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) transition work with the Welsh Government initiative for the development of an Air Business Park at MOD St Athan.
I understand that the hon. Member's questions refer to the use of an Instrument Landing System at MOD St Athan. The airfield is operated under military regulations, which do not require the use of an Instrument Landing System. The Welsh Government has arranged for the installation of an Instrument Landing System for future use by their commercial customers. I understand that while the equipment is fully operational, it has not yet been cleared for aircraft use. MOD officials have been informed that, pending formal clearance the Welsh Government is applying for a limited clearance to use the Instrument Landing System, in order to facilitate interim use by its commercial customers.
Asked by: David T C Davies (Conservative - Monmouth)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, during what hours MOD St Athan is available for use by private companies.
Answered by Anna Soubry
Private companies are afforded the same airfield hours that are available to all users. Currently, while the new airfield contractor completes work-up training, the airfield is available for take-offs and landings from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm and, with 24 hours notice, on Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. Arrangements to operate outside these hours may be made, subject to manpower availability, by prior request. The Welsh Government's intent is to provide airfield opening hours of 9 am until 5 pm every day of the week, from December 2014.
Asked by: David T C Davies (Conservative - Monmouth)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the automatic landing equipment at MoD St Athan is in full working order.
Answered by Anna Soubry
I have taken the hon. Member's question to refer to the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) transition work with the Welsh Government initiative for the development of an Air Business Park at MOD St Athan.
I understand that the hon. Member's questions refer to the use of an Instrument Landing System at MOD St Athan. The airfield is operated under military regulations, which do not require the use of an Instrument Landing System. The Welsh Government has arranged for the installation of an Instrument Landing System for future use by their commercial customers. I understand that while the equipment is fully operational, it has not yet been cleared for aircraft use. MOD officials have been informed that, pending formal clearance the Welsh Government is applying for a limited clearance to use the Instrument Landing System, in order to facilitate interim use by its commercial customers.
Asked by: David T C Davies (Conservative - Monmouth)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many complaints his Department has received about the use of facilities at MoD St Athan in the last 12 months.
Answered by Anna Soubry
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has received no complaints from airfield users over the use of airfield facilities at MOD St Athan in the last 12 months.
Asked by: David T C Davies (Conservative - Monmouth)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will meet Cardiff Aviation to discuss access to the landing facilities at MoD St Athan.
Answered by Anna Soubry
Private companies operating at Ministry of Defence St Athan, such as Cardiff Aviation, are clients of the Welsh Government, with whom their working relationship is conducted. It would therefore not be appropriate for Defence Ministers to meet them.
Asked by: David T C Davies (Conservative - Monmouth)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether it is his policy to encourage his Department to work with private companies based at MOD St Athan.
Answered by Philip Dunne
I have taken the hon. Member’s questions to refer to the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) transition work with the Welsh Government initiative for the development of an Air Business Park at MOD St Athan.
The MOD fully understands the importance of this development in Wales, and will continue to support the Welsh Government in its transition to a wholly civil operation by 2019. Whilst the Department is supportive of this initiative, private companies based at MOD St Athan are clients of the Welsh Government; other than dealing with direct routine operational or safety enquires, the Department does not liaise directly with these companies.