To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what disciplinary sanctions are available to the Commanding Officer of Royal Air Force, Northolt over civilian servicing and maintenance contractors on the station in the event of negligence in the servicing or maintenance of aircraft based there. [17378]
The Station Commander at RAF Northolt has access to contractual sanction if he is dissatisfied with any aspect of performance of the contractor. He does not have direct disciplinary authority over individuals employed by the contractor.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the discipline and continued contracts of civilian servicing and maintenance personnel at RAF bases. [17379]
Our contracting procedures are reviewed regularly and, in all cases, exacting quality standards are required from defence contractors. Firm action will be taken against any contractor who fails to meet the mandated standards.