§ Viscount Exmouthasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 3 June (WA 32), whether they will list the annual cost incurred by the RAF in supporting the civil operations at RAF Gibraltar for each of the last five years. [HL2229]
§ Lord GilbertBecause of the integrated nature of the operations at RAF Gibraltar it is not possible to separate the costs of civil and military operations. However, for the financial year 1997–98 the cost of operating RAF Gibraltar beyond the hours which would normally be required for RAF operations amounted to £940,000. In addition, the need to support civil air operations during normal operating hours imposes demands on air traffic control, fire services cover and security, which are estimated to cost in the region of £660,000 per annum. Figures for previous years are not available, but would be of the same order, less an allowance for inflation.