(2) whether he received representations on the safety of the Nimrod fleet before September 2006;
(3) what representations he has received on the use of fuel lines on Nimrod aircraft.
Representations has been defined as parliamentary questions and letters from third parties to Ministers.
Defence Ministers did not receive any official representations on the safety of the Nimrod fleet or the use of fuel lines on Nimrod aircraft from January 2006 to September 2006. Looking back beyond this date could be achieved only at disproportionate cost.
Since September 2006, whilst Defence Ministers have received official representations on the safety of Nimrod aircraft from members of the public, none of these referred to the use of fuel lines on the aircraft. I have no evidence to suggest that any of these representations were from serving flight crew.
In recent weeks the Department has received three requests under the Freedom of Information Act on the safety of Nimrod aircraft and on the use of fuel lines on the aircraft. There is no evidence to suggest that any of these requests are from serving flight crew.