HC Deb 03 November 1976 vol 918 cc623-5W
Mr. Mudd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will indicate, respectively, by type and cost, the number and value of fixed-wing aircraft, heli-

Fixed wing aircraft Helicopters Total
1973—
Number … … … … 24 1 25
Cost (£000) … … … … 16,247 91 16,338
1974—
Number … … … … 11 1 12
Cost (£000) … … … … 10,693 578 11,271
1975—
Number … … … … 16 — 16
Cost (£000) … … … … 17,510 — 17,510
1976 (to date)—
Number … … … … 24 1 25
Cost (£000) … … … … 24,191 583 24,774

Details for RAF vehicles are as follows:

1973— 1975—
Number … … … … 136 Number … … … … 148
Cost* … … … … — Cost* … … … … —
1974— 1976 (to date)—
Number … … … … 100 Number … … … … 55
Cost* … … … … — Cost … … … … £20,352
* The cost figures for these years cannot be provided in the time available.

Mr. Jay

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the average annual cost of British forces in Western Germany over the past 20 years; and what he estimates to have been the gories: armoured righting vehicles (tanks and armoured cars, etc.), logistic support vehicles (lorries, coaches, cars, etc.) and tractors and earth-moving vehicles. Information on the number of logistic support vehicles lost through mishap is not readily available as records are not kept separately from those relating to routine withdrawals as a result of obsolescence. I shall, however, be writing to the hon. Member, giving him details of these losses as soon as I have them.

In the meantime the following table shows total losses of vehicles in the other two categories:

copters and vehicles regarded as total constructional loss to the Royal Air Force for the years 1973, 1974, 1975 and 1976 up to the present date.

Mr. Wellbeloved

The details for RAF aircraft and helicopters are as follows:

average annual foreign exchange cost not covered by offset arrangements.

Mr. Mulley

Figures showing the cost of all British forces in Germany are not readily available. However, since 1966, Defence White Papers have shown the estimated costs of the British Army of the Rhine, and the average of these costs over the period is £293 million a year.

The average foreign exchange cost of British forces in Western Germany over the past 20 years which has not been covered by offset payments is some £82 million a year.