§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of fast jets which are not combat ready because(a) of failings in the maintenance programme and (b) they are awaiting spares. [19301]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe RAF has sufficient aircraft available to meet all its operational commitments. These commitments are given the highest priority in terms of logistic support, which can affect overall serviceability rates. On occasion, specific technical and industrial problems have also, temporarily, affected serviceability amongst the fast jet fleets.