§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when the Super VC10s and VC 10s were purchased for the Royal Air Force for conversion to tanker aircraft;
(2) what is the total cost of the conversion programme for the Royal Air Force VC10s and Super VC10s;
(3) what is the length of the conversion programme for the Royal Air Force VC10 tankers;
(4) when the programme for conversion of the VC10s and Super VC10s purchased by the Royal Air Force began.
§ Mr. Norman Lamont[pursuant to his reply, 16 December 1985, c. 98]: Standard and Super VC10s were purchased for the Royal Air Force in 1978 for conversion to tanker aircraft, and conversion began the same year. The total cost of the programme has been some £160 million at outturn prices. The last aircraft is due to be delivered to the service next year.