Written question asked by Sheryll Murray (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 March 2012. It was answered by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 13 March 2012 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Libya: Armed Conflict

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the estimated cost per vehicle was of (a) fuel, (b) road tolls, (c) accommodation and (d) other logistics of a return trip from the UK to each base in Italy by logistical support provided by No. 2 Mechanical Transport squadron during Operation Ellamy.

Answer: The estimated cost of transporting supplies and materials by road to Italy by military vehicles is in the region of £1.6 million. This was done by 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron and comprised around 400 vehicle moves to Trapani and Gioia Dell Colle. There were also additional road moves made by contracted commercial carriers.The costs for each trip were dependent upon the destination in Italy and changes due to operational requirements. However, the typical cost per vehicle was around £2,000 for fuel, £650 for road tolls, around £300 for accommodation and other personal costs for drivers and around £500 for Eurotunnel costs.

Secondary information