HC Deb 24 June 1999 vol 333 c453W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress made with setting up the Defence Aviation Repair Agency. [87830]

Mr. Spellar

The Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) came into being on 1 April this year and I had the pleasure of attending the Agency's Launch Day on 7 April 1999 at St. Athan. DARA has been formed by merging the former Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation with elements of the RAF's Maintenance Group Defence Agency and provides MOD's deep maintenance (third line) capability for fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The Ministerial Advisory Board, which I chair, has approved the DARA's Corporate Plan which is now being implemented. This includes moving to Trading Fund status in due course.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to renegotiate the RAF repair, overhaul modification and upgrade contracts held by private companies once responsibility for such contracts is transferred to the new Defence Aviation Repair Agency; which RAF repair, overhaul, modification and upgrade contracts are currently under review; and if he will make a statement. [87832]

Mr. Spellar

My Department has no plans to renegotiate or review these contracts as a result of the launch of the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) and no responsibility for the administration of such contracts is being passed to the Agency.

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