Q1. What number of Man Training Days will be needed for the 270 new posts in the RAuxAF? What will be the readiness levels of these posts?

  A1. Subject to further detailed work by the relevant operational sponsor branches, it is currently anticipated that each reservist would require some 35-45 Man Training Days, depending on the branch or trade.

  The Majority of the new posts will require a medium level (i.e., 60-90 days or readiness state R6/7) of readiness. There may, however, be a requirement for some communications personnel to be at a high readiness level (i.e., 20-30 days or readiness level R4/5). Detailed work is continuing to define the optimum mix.

Q2. How will the Type 42 gap be negotiated as the in-service date for HORIZON frigates "moves to the right"?

  A2. A number of measures have been undertaken to maintain Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) capability until the Common New Generation Frigate (CNGF), enters service. Improvements to the Sea Dart and Sea Wolf surface-to-air-missile systems on the RN's destroyers and frigates are already being implemented as are updates to the target indication radar and other supporting systems. We are confident that these improvements will enable the RN to retain an effective AAW capability well into the next century.

Q3. Is it envisaged that there will be a need for Merlin Mark 2 in due course?

  A3. The 44 Merlin Mark 1's on order are currently considered to be sufficient for our future anti-submarine warfare helicopter needs.

Q4. What costs are projected for the refit of HMS SPARTAN? For how long after her refit will HMS SPARTAN remain in service?

  A4. HMS Spartan's refit package is still under consideration. It will be constrained to the minimum necessary to enable her to continue in service until 2006. It is too early in the planning process to say what the revised refit package will cost.