Written question asked by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 September 2004. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 September 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the leased C-17 aircraft; and who bears the cost, under the contract, should an aircraft be lost as a result of pilot error or in combat.

Answer: Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the leased C-17 aircraft; and who bears the cost, under the contract, should an aircraft be lost as a result of pilot error or in combat. [183405] Mr. Caplin: At the conclusion of the current lease arrangement, we intend to buy the current fleet of four aircraft. We intend to purchase a further aircraft bringing our C-17 fleet up to five aircraft. In the meantime, should a leased aircraft be lost as a result of pilot error or in combat, the contractual agreement requires that the Ministry of Defence pay the residual value and fulfil the remaining lease payments.

Secondary information