Written question asked by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 6 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 10 November 2000. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Friday, 10 November 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many British troop carriers are on lease from Boeing; and at what cost. - Includes figures. (Holding answer 9 November 2000).

Answer: Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troop carriers are on lease from Boeing; and at what cost. [137413] Mr. Hoon: [holding answer 9 November 2000]: A contract was signed on 2 September for the lease of four C-17 aircraft for seven years, commencing in mid 2001, to meet our Short Term Strategic Airlift requirement. The exact contract price is commercially confidential, but in broad terms we expect the overall cost to be in the order of £500 million, including maintenance of the aircraft. The aircraft will be used to carry material rather than troops.

Secondary information