Military Aircraft: Procurement
Defence
Kevan Jones (North Durham, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the oral answer of 8 February 2012, Official Report, columns 300-01, on Libya, whether the National Security Council was consulted on the decision to purchase a new C17 aircraft.
Peter Luff (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Defence Equipment, Support and Technology), Defence; Mid Worcestershire, Conservative)
The National Security Council was not consulted on the decision to purchase a new C17 aircraft.
The procurement of an additional C17 aircraft to increase strategic airlift is assessed as the best means to deliver the strategic direction as set by the National Security Council. As this procurement required expenditure in excess of departmental delegations, approval was sought from HM Treasury.