§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what fees were charged to Bath Travel for the use of the facilities at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency at Boscombe Down for a commercial flight by Concorde in August; and if those fees have been paid. [55469]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 19 October 1998]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Robert Key, dated 27 October 1998:
I have been asked to reply to your question about fees charged to Bath Travel for the use of facilities at DERA's airfield at Boscombe Down for a commercial flight by Concorde in August of this year.The flight, which took place on 12 August, was organised by Bath Travel, a local travel agency, acting on behalf of the tour operator, Cunard Line Ltd.Bath Travel made no use of DERA facilities at Boscombe Down, having carried out passenger reception and baggage check prior to the arrival of the passengers at the airfield and consequently no charges were levied.As the tour operator, Cunard Line Ltd. were charged £3,482.18 inclusive of VAT for the airfield services relating to the Concorde flight. The level of charging was determined in accordance with standard Ministry of Defence policy guidance. An invoice was raised on 21 August and payment is awaited.I hope this is helpful.