Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Agriculture how many aeroplane sorties were. made during the recent bad weather to carry food or forage to isolated farms; what was the tonnage carried; and what was the cost of such emergency transport.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsSeventy-seven sorties were flown in England and Wales to carry forage, of which 24 were abortive. Forty-nine tons of forage was successfully dropped on farms. In addition, five sorties were made to carry approximately two tons of human food. As regards the last part of the Question, the operations were carried out as part of the training of R.A.F. Transport Command. The additional expense incurred in depreciation of aircraft and for spares, petrol and oil is estimated to have been £12 10s. per hour for 157 actual flying hours.