Examination of Witnesses (Questions 220
- 226)
WEDNESDAY 20 OCTOBER 2004
AIR CHIEF
MARSHAL SIR
JOCK STIRRUP
KCB AFC ADC
Q220 Mike Gapes: Is there a gap if
they do not come back?
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup:
I am sorry, you say "come back" but they have never
been. These aircraft have never been in operational service.
Q221 Mike Gapes: Is there a gap without
them?
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup:
Yes. We bought those aeroplanes because we needed them, so what
we need to do is to get that capability which we thought we were
procuring into service as soon as we can one way or another. What
we do not have at the moment is a specific answer as to which
is the most cost-effective way of doing it.
Q222 Mike Gapes: You do not know
when you are likely to get that answer?
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup:
I do not. You would have to ask the equipment capability area.
Mike Gapes: We are back to the procurement
area. Thank you very much.
Q223 Chairman: If you are concerned
about helicopter crew overstretch, how do you feel about reducing
aircraft and crews or withdrawing them from Northern Ireland?
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup:
The aircraft are committed to Northern Ireland at the moment but
not required for operations in Northern Ireland, so it makes sense
to bring those back. We are also, of course, talking about Pumas
and Pumas, again, are scheduled to go out of service. In terms
of overall efficiency of the helicopter force, the sooner we can
reduce the overall numbers of types, the more output we will get
from the force as a total. It is not just a case of extending
old types in service to meet the requirement, that is not necessarily
the most efficient way of doing it. As far as the crews are concerned,
there are plans to increase the number of support helicopter crews,
increase the number of pilots, for example, in each helicopter,
so if more pilots become available then that may provide some
flexibility to move those plans forward.
Q224 Chairman: This is my last question
and I would not expect an answer, perhaps you can write to us.
We have a big interest in terrorism and what happens. Should there
be a substantial terrorist attack I think I pretty much know the
situation in civil aviation and to a lesser extent in the Royal
Air Force. If one was a terrorist a great way of causing mayhem
would be to destroy a control tower, it would cause absolute chaos.
I know what civilian capabilities are for replacing a destroyed
control tower. Without replying here, unless you can answer in
general terms, are you satisfied that you are capable, should
there be a terrorist attack on a control tower, and that you have
adequate back-up and, if not, what do you propose to do to remedy
any potential deficiency? Any figures you might wish to send to
us in writing rather than in public would be helpful.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup:
I will reply to that one in writing if I may.
Q225 Chairman: I fully understand
that. Thank you very, very much, it has been very helpful. I certainly
admire your ability to sit alone without recourse to vast quantities
of briefing books or having back-up alongside you to help you.
Thank you very much.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup:
Chairman, thank you very much indeed.
Q226 Mr Viggers: Can I take the rather
unusual step of seconding that, it has been an exceptionally valuable
session and we are very grateful.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup:
Thank you, sir.
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