HC Deb 07 February 2002 vol 379 cc1082-3W
Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 18 January 2002,Official Report, column 502W, whether C-17s have since then been used to transport cargo into Afghanistan; and whether another Antonov has been chartered since then. [34353]

Mr. Ingram

The C-17 aircraft has been used since 18 January to transport cargo into Afghanistan and, under current plans, will continue to do so for the duration of the operation. Given the time scale and size of the task, we have continued to charter Antonovs since 18 January to supplement the RAF's airlift effort to deploy the UK's contribution to the International Security Assistance Force.

Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what evidence he has of a threat to the C-130K in Afghanistan from small arms fire. [33099]

Mr. Ingram

While we have no recorded incidents of small arms fire being directed at C-130Ks flying into Afghanistan, such an incident cannot be ruled out. Force protection measures appropriate to this threat have therefore been put in place.

Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will fit lighting to the flight deck of the C-130Ks operational in Afghanistan which is compatible with night vision goggles; and what the cost is of fitting NVG compatible lighting to the C-130K. [33095]

Dr. Moonie

Details on the ability of the C-130K fleet to operate in low light could provide a potential adversary with information that could undermine our defence capabilities. This information is therefore withheld in accordance with Exemption 1 (Defence, Security and International Relations) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

The cost of fitting night vision goggle compatible lighting to the C-130K is of the order of £80,000 per aircraft (VAT exclusive).

Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had about fitting flight deck armour to the C-130Ks operational in Afghanistan. [33093]

Mr. Ingram

The level of protection employed on the Hercules fleet could provide a potential adversary with information that could undermine our defence capabilities. I am therefore withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 1 (Defence, Security and International Relations) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to(a) lease further C-17s and (b) charter further Antonovs. [33090]

Mr. Ingram

We have no current plans to lease further C-17s. We will continue to charter Antonov 124 aircraft as our strategic transport requirements dictate.

Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost of fitting flight deck armour to the C-130K is. [33094]

Dr. Moonie

The cost is in the order of £150,000 per aircraft.