HC Deb 04 June 1996 vol 278 cc342-3W
Mr. Spellar

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the current servicing contract for the RAF Nimrod fleet. [30963]

Mr. Soames

As a result of the "Competing for Quality" initiative a five-year contract was awarded to FR Aviation in March 1995. This contract provides those engineering services previously performed by the Nimrod major servicing unit at RAF Kinloss, including the maintenance of the Nimrod maritime and Nimrod reconnaissance fleets.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Nimrod aircraft are grounded and for what reasons; and if he will make a statement. [30825]

Mr. Soames

As at 20 May 1996 no Nimrod aircraft were grounded.

Mr. Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Nimrod aircraft are currently in service; what are their principal purposes; and if he will make a statement. [30824]

Mr. Soames

There are 27 Nimrod aircraft currently in service. In addition three aircraft are in long-term storage and a fourth aircraft is undergoing major repair. The principal purpose of the Nimrod MR2 is maritime patrol; and that of the Nimrod R 1 reconnaissance.

Mr. Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Nimrod aircraft are serviced by companies engaged under market testing; and if he will make a statement. [30826]

Mr. Soames

As a result of the "Competing for Quality" initiative a contract was awarded to FR Aviation in March 1995 for the provision of engineering service including the maintenance of the 31 aircraft in the Nimrod fleet.