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.

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.