§ Mr. WellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) for how many flight hours during 1997–98 Government Ministers have used the aircraft of 32 (The Royal) Squadron based at Northolt Airport; which Government officers used it the most; how much per hour the RAF charges ministers; and how much of this figure relates to Northolt Airport costs; [63696]
(2) what estimate he has made of the cost of the Government chartering business jets when RAF jet aircraft of 32 (The Royal) Squadron Aircraft were unavailable in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will list the number of charters hired for that purpose; and the Ministers involved. [63695]
§ Mr. SpellarI refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to the hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Mr. Maples) on 19 November 1998,Official Report, column 711.
§ Mr. MaplesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the term "average cost", with reference to flights taken by Ministers in his Department, refers to the average cost per passenger. [64726]
§ Mr. SpellarThe average cost refers to the average cost per trip and not the average cost per passenger.
§ Mr. MaplesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will place in the Library a copy of a table listing ministerial flights on RAF aircraft. [64725]
§ Mr. SpellarA copy of the table was placed in the Library of the House on 19 November.