Written question asked by Parmjit Dhanda (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 18 November 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what testing procedures were carried out on the eight Chinook helicopters ordered in 1995 after they were received by his Department and prior to their active use by the armed forces.

Answer: Mr. Dhanda: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what testing procedures were carried out on the eight Chinook helicopters ordered in 1995 after they were received by his Department and prior to their active use by the armed forces. [174987] Mr. Ingram: We have a complex and wide-ranging acceptance procedure, which includes independent third party advice, to ensure that the platform meets the performance standards contracted for and complies with United Kingdom safety standards. The Ministry of Defence has contracted with our independent advisers QinetiQ Boscombe Down to undertake this work.

Secondary information