HC Deb 27 July 1998 vol 317 cc39-40W
Mr. Woodward

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has to replace the VC1Os at Brize Norton with other aircraft; and over what timescale; [48959]

(2) what plans he has to convert the A310 into a multi-role tanker transport; and according to what timescale. [49000]

Dr. Reid

[holding answer 8 July 1998]: Plans to replace the RAF's air-refuelling tanker fleet are at an early stage. However current planning assumptions are that we will start to replace the fleet early next century. Among other contenders, we would expect a solution based on the A310 to figure in any competition for this requirement.

Mr. Woodward

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for how long it is planned that VC1Os will continue to use RAF Brize Norton. [48960]

Dr. Reid

[holding answer 8 July 1998]: Under current plans, VC1Os will continue to use RAF Brize Norton until they leave service. Plans to replace the RAF's air-refuelling tanker fleet, of which the VCIO is part, are at an early stage. Current planning assumptions are that we will start to replace the fleet early next century.