§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many TriStars will be available to take troops to the Falklands after the opening of the airport.
§ Mr. StanleyNine TriStar aircraft have been purchased for the RAF. Although their primary role is air-to-air refuelling, all of these aircraft would potentially be 185W available to carry troops to the Falklands. The precise availability of aircraft at any one time will depend on many factors, including other operational priorities and the conversion and servicing programmes. The actual arrangements for the regular air trooping movements to and from the Falklands after the opening of the airport are still under consideration.