asked the Minister for Defence if he will give the following details of aircraft which have been withdrawn from active service but still remain in storage at the various military aerodromes; (i) type, (ii) present condition, (iii) ultimate end; and if he will issue instructions to prevent their destruction or deterioration, pending a decision on their historic or preservation value.
Written Answers. - Aircraft in Storage.
405.
The following aircraft have been withdrawn from service but are still held at Casement Aerodrome:—
(1) 2 unserviceable Vampire aircraft which have been offered on an indefinite loan basis to Aer Lingus Teoranta and the College of Technology, Bolton St., Dublin.
(2) 1 unserviceable Magister aircraft which has been offered on an indefinite loan basis to Aer Lingus Teoranta.
(3) 3 unserviceable Dove aircraft, one of which it is proposed to retain as a training aid for Civil Defence; the other two have been offered for sale recently.
(4) 2 unserviceable Provost aircraft have been recommended for sale by the military authorities.
The historic value, if any, of old Air Corps aircraft is taken into account when deciding on their disposal. Aircraft preservation societies are informed when such aircraft are available for sale.