Written question asked by Jim Murphy (Labour) on Monday, 23 May 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 June 2011. It was answered by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 15 June 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Libya: Armed Conflict

Question: (2) what the average (a) daily and (b) monthly cost of basing Royal Air Force personnel at Gioia del Colle has been to date.

Answer: [holding answer 7 June 2011]: As of 1 June 2011 there were 550 RAF personnel, to the nearest 50, based in Gioia del Colle as part of Operation Ellamy. These include UK personnel seconded to NATO for operation Unified Protector.The precise number of personnel overseas fluctuates on a daily basis for a variety of reasons, including temporary absence for training, evacuation for medical reasons, the roulement of forces, visits and a range of other factors. We do not, therefore, publish actual figures for personnel deployed.The average monthly cost, assessed on 1 June 2011, for accommodation of all UK personnel (including Royal Navy, army and civilians) at Gioia dell Colle is around £1 million. This equates to an approximate cost of £30,000 per day.

Secondary information