§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of Tornados have been grounded for each month of the last two years for failing to be in airworthy condition. [1154]
§ Mr. SoamesDuring the last two years the Tornado fleet has met all of its operational commitments and has not been grounded. RAF aircraft are only permitted to fly if it is judged safe for them to do so. To achieve and maintain this high safety standard all aircraft are subject to regular detailed engineering examination and assessment, and are subject to a rigorous scheduled maintenance programme. Although this work ensures the highest standard of safety, it does mean that the aircraft are unavailable to fly while the necessary work is being carried out. Allowance is made for this in the aircraft establishment figures. Those aircraft operating at the front line require scheduled minor maintenance. Minor faults which are discovered are usually rectified at the unit so that the aircraft can be available to fly at the earliest opportunity.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the adequacy of private refurbishment contracts of Tornado aircraft. [1155]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe overall performance of private contractors in carrying out maintenance work for the RAF is good—many of them helped build the aircraft in the first place. All first-line maintenance of operational fast-jet aircraft continues to be done by RAF trades men. However, some of the deeper maintenance of these aircraft is carried-out by contractors.
We attach great importance to ensuring that contractors deliver work of the necessary quality. Contracting procedures are focused on achieving this and contracts are placed only with those suppliers who have been assessed by an accredited body to an appropriate quality management standard. The MOD aims to place full responsibility for the quality of products and services with its contractors.