Rigga/Arclite
Spot on. MoD is responsible for the audit trail, no-one else. But it doesn't hold it itself, it pays industry. Primarily, Design Authorities/Design Custodians; and, many years ago, what were called Agency Contracts. No contract, then industry is under no obligation. They'll just ask which car park you want your records/equipment dumped in. The most comprehensive record in MoD's hands was in the Directorate of Military Aircraft Projects Registry. This was closed in early 1993 as the finale to AMSO's rundown of airworthiness management. We were given no notice. Just wandered down one day to do some ex-Committee approvals before the next HQMC round, and the place was empty, with all files and staff gone.