asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will state the estimated annual cost of the two Tudor III aircraft intended for Ministerial use; and the estimated cost involved in chartering special aircraft.

As stated in reply to the Question asked by the hon. Member on 27th February, the annual cost of an aircraft which has not yet been operated in service is largely conjectural and will depend on the extent of utilisation. So far as can be estimated at present, the annual cost of operating and maintaining these aircraft should be about £160,000, including depreciation of about £50,000 and allowances for insurance and interest on capital. It is estimated that the cost involved in chartering current types of four-engined aircraft on the same scale of foreseeable utilisation of the Tudor III's would be at least £190,000.

Will the hon. Gentleman take into account that future Ministers who may occupy that front bench may not be so anxious to leave the country as Ministers at the present time?

Over how many years is depreciation spread?

On the basis of five years, I think. I would not be too sure. I will let the hon. Gentleman know later.