Dr. ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Tornados based at RAF Coningsby have recently been grounded; and if he will specify the reasons for the grounding of the Tornados; which company is responsible for the maintenance of the Tornados; what investigation has been carried out into the responsibility for the damage; what is the total cost to repair the damage; who is financially responsible for paying for these repairs; and if he will make a statement. [18294]
§ Mr. SoamesTwo Tornado F3s from RAF Coningsby, taking part in NATO Exercise Strong Resolve between 20 February and 10 March, were suspected of receiving contaminated fuel from a VC10 tanker during air-to-air refuelling. The aircraft were grounded for four hours each on 6 March as a precautionary measure; no contamination was found and there was no damage to the aircraft.