§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria are used to determine the figures provided in table 8, page 18 of Cm. 2201, relating to availability, reliability and maintainability of equipment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenTable 8 on page 18 of Cm 2201 gives figures for the percentage by value of contracts for new equipment projects over £1 million which have provisions for availability, reliability and maintainability. The criteria used to determine the figures are that reliability and maintainability requirements should form essential elements of the contract specification, wherever possible linking payment to the demonstration of satisfactory reliability and maintainability in service. Alternative approaches, including warranties and fixed-price support contracts are used where linkage of payment to demonstration is not practicable.