§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made as to the suitability of former civilian aircraft being purchased or leased directly by his Department for conversion to the future strategic tanker aircraft; and if he will make a statement. [13836]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 9 November 2001]: It is intended that the future strategic tanker aircraft will deliver the RAF's air to air refuelling capability from around 2007. Bids for this prospective PFI project were received from two consortiums on 3 July 2001. Potential aircraft solutions include both new and former civilian airliners. We are currently examining the suitability of these options as part of a detailed assessment phase.