HC Deb 07 July 2003 vol 408 c585W
Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements his Department has in place with civilian airlines to provide emergency airlift. [123550]

Mr. Ingram

The Ministry of Defence has no standing arrangements for the use of civilian airlines to provide emergency airlift. In the event of an emergency, Royal Air Force military aircraft would be considered first. There could also be occasions where other nations' military aircraft could be used. Where civilian aircraft were required, they would be acquired from the commercial market place.