Vol. 503 No. 4
99 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence if civilians are employed as pilots of the Government jet; if so, the number involved; their nationality; the type and duration of contract; the cost per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10438/99]
Under a contract placed in September 1998 with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in the United States, the services of a pilot were engaged for the period 1 September 1998 to 31 March 1999. Pilots drawn from the corporation's panel fulfilled the contract and were responsible for the instruction and rating of Air Corps pilots together with operational flying of the Gulfstream IV aircraft as necessary. The cost involved was approximately £100,000 exclusive of VAT and travel/ accommodation expenses.
