Written question asked by Lord Astor of Hever (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Drayson (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 May 2006.

RAF: Capabilities

Question: Where responsibility will lie under the arrangements for the reorganisation of the Royal Air Force, announced by the Ministry of Defence on 31 March, for ensuring that (a) sufficient defensive suites for transport aircraft are available and installed as appropriate; (b) appropriate passenger carrying capabilities are available for transporting members of the United Kingdom Armed Forces into and out of theatre; and (c) such capabilities are managed so as to provide a timely service and satisfactory travel conditions.

Answer: The Equipment Capability Customer (ECC) will continue to ensure that, where needed, sufficient defensive systems for transport aircraft are available and installed. The management of the passenger airlift programme is undertaken jointly by the Defence Transport and Movements Agency (DTMA) in the Defence Logistics Organisation, and by the Integrated Tasking and Operations Centre (ITOC) which is part of RAF Strike Command. These arrangements will not change under the reorganisation of the Royal Air Force and they will continue to be managed to provide both a timely service and satisfactory travel conditions as far as practicable.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5540; 682 c97WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Armed forces Deployment Air force Defence equipment Military aircraft Travel Standards Transport Reorganisation
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk