§ Sir Nicholas BonsorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Chislehurst (Mr. Sims) of 16 November 1992,Official 641W Report, column 44, what sustainable sponsorship proposals to accept financial responsibility for keeping the Vulcan XH 558 in flying condition he has received; what would be the required annual financial contribution and any non-recurring costs; what steps he has taken to inform potential sponsors of these costs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenOfficials have met and corresponded with representatives of the campaign to keep the Vulcan flying on a number of occasions since 16 November, to explain in detail the implications of its continued operation. We have received no new sponsorship proposals during this period.
The estimated costs of continuing to operate the Vulcan remain as set out in the answer that I gave to my hon. Friend on 26 October 1992, Official Report, column 507.
I have decided that, without viable sponsorship, there is no further justification for delaying the sale of the aircraft, and tenders will be issued during the next week.