HC Deb 02 December 1998 vol 321 cc188-9W
Mr. Maples

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is(a) the reason for replacement and (b) the cost of the new body panels purchased for the CIK RAF VC10 fleet. [62094]

Mr. Spellar

The original body trim panels, used to convert the interior of the RAF VC10 CMk1 for its passenger carrying role, were over 20 years old, did not conform to current fire, smoke and toxicity regulations and were becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. The precise cost of the interior trim panels is "commercial in confidence" and I am, therefore, withholding it under exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Mr. Maples

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the contracts with AIM Aviation (Jecco) Ltd. which included(a) furnishings and (b) other equipment. [62092]

Mr. Spellar

The Ministry of Defence contract database lists 34 active contracts with AIM Aviation (Jecco) Ltd. This does not include local purchase orders, raised by units for items valued at under £5,000, for which no central record is held. Detailed information about the equipment or furnishings ordered under the contracts is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Maples

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the value was of the contract placed with AIM Aviation (Jecco) Ltd which included bed-settees for the RAF VC10 fleet; how many bed-settees at what cost were included in the order; on what date the order for the bed-settees was placed with AIM Aviation (Jecco) Ltd; and if he will place a copy of the contract in the Library. [62091]

Mr. Spellar

The decision to replace the existing bed settees was made by the RAF under the previous administration in February 1997. A contract for six divan bed-settee units was awarded to AIM Aviation (Jecco) Ltd. on 20 August 1997 following a competition. No other items were included in the contract. The cost of equipment procured from industry under contracts awarded by the Ministry of Defence is "commercial in confidence" and consequently, I am withholding the information under exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. I will not be placing a copy of the contract in the Library of the House.

Mr. Maples

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the orders for VIP equipment for the RAF VC10 fleet which have been cancelled since 1 May 1997, indicating the contents of the orders. [62093]

Mr. Spellar

There is no record of any order for VIP equipment for the RAF VC10 fleet being cancelled since 1 May 1997.