§ 11 and 40. Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has for a Pembroke replacement for the Royal Air Force;
(2) how many Pembroke aircraft are at present in service with the Royal Air Force; how many of these are now grounded; and how many are to be resparred.
§ Mr. John MorrisOf the R.A.F.'s effective stock of 26 Pembrokes, 19 are grounded as a result of the discovery, earlier this summer, of micro-cracks in the main spar assembly. Possible solutions, including resparring, are being studied and we hope to reach a decision shortly.
§ Mr. OnslowAre we to understand that the seven other aircraft are being flown? If so, is the hon. Gentleman satisfied of their safety? Would it not be a great deal more economic to provide the R.A.F. with a modern communications and casualty evacuation aircraft?
§ Mr. MorrisI am satisfied that the aircraft being flown are flown with safety. Those aircraft which have been grounded are grounded as a measure of safety. We are looking at the possible solutions—and there are more than one—to meet this contingency.