Written question asked by Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 1997. It was answered by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Monday, 24 February 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: How many inflatable targets were deployed to Goose Bay, Canada, during the 1996 training season; to how many locations the targets were deployed; what was the total cost of (a) deploying (b) operating and (c) supporting the targets; what contribution to repayment of those costs will be made by (a) the Canadian authorities and (b) other Allied air forces training at Goose Bay; and what conclusions have been reached concerning the future deployment of inflatable targets at Goose Bay. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Foulkes: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many inflatable targets were deployed to Goose bay, Canada, during the 1996 training season; to how many locations the targets were deployed; what was the total cost of (a) deploying (b) operating and (c) supporting the targets; what contribution to repayment of those costs will be made by (i) the Canadian authorities and (ii) other allied air forces training at Goose bay; and what conclusions have been reached concerning the future deployment of inflatable targets at Goose bay. [16808] Mr. Soames: Six inflatable targets were deployed to Goose bay, Canada, during the 1996 training season. It is not possible to provide the cost information requested as the deployment was not undertaken as a stand alone activity and costs were, therefore, not recorded separately. As this was a national deployment, no financial contribution was sought from the Canadian authorities or other allied air forces at Goose bay. Consideration is currently being given to locating inflatable targets at Goose bay on a permanent basis to meet UK training requirements.

Secondary information