tuc:
While I agree with the sentiments expressed, it is a simple fact that Labour were not in power when the policy was formulated (June 1987) and issued (Jan 1988) by AMSO to knowingly waste money on a scale that would make your eyes water.
So the rot set in under PM Margaret Thatcher and her SOS for Defence, Michael Heseltine. Organised and deliberate gross waste that was recouped (or at least that was the plan) by a direct attack within the MOD upon Air Safety, and in particular the budget for the provision of UK Military Airworthiness. Those responsible are known and evidence has been submitted to two judicial reviews, the civil police and the RAF Provost Marshal. Nothing has been done, not even an interview, as they are evidently "honourable men". Evil happens when good men do nothing!
There have been 62 deaths alone in Airworthiness related military air accidents reviewed in this forum, broken careers, and most devastating of all, a system that remains broken and will continue to be so until the MAAIB and the MAA are made independent of the MOD and of each other.