Thanks for that Tuc and DV,
Although I know my version of airworthiness, I obviously don't know of the bubbles in MOD during those periods and the political rigours of those encumbents. I was unaware of particular funding issues in the mid 90's - at my level there was always funding issues.
My own thoughts were simply of a more politicised leadership giving unwritten directives to MOD.
I know the MOD is thick-skinned and skint beyond belief, but surely it can't think that it could get away with just plugging one small hole in this rather large Swiss cheese? MOD has an over indulgence of officers doing far less important jobs that could do most of this research at virtually no cost. (I await the bleatings of perceived importance against cost)
I don't think the buck has stopped yet. Unfortunately, if only the small hole is plugged, we will have to wait for another one to open up and start quoting H-C again.