Asked by: Robert Courts (Conservative - Witney)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of supporting heritage aviation organisations to acquire ex-military aircraft and associated equipment for (a) flying and (b) static displays when they are disposed of by the Ministry of Defence.
Answered by Michael Ellis
We recognise the important heritage value of ex-military aircraft and equipment; however, it is for museums and other organisations to determine acquisitions appropriate for their collections. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport estimates that it has given over £500,000 towards the rescue of ex-military aircraft through the National Heritage Memorial Fund. The Heritage Lottery Fund has also provided £3.5million in support of ex-military aircraft.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is responsible for the disposal of ex-military aircraft and equipment. The MOD’s gifting policy acknowledges the heritage value of ex-military aircraft and equipment, and permits gifting to DCMS and MOD-sponsored museums.