Absolutely spot on correct Engines, the problem here was , as you said, ab initio and continued until the pause, irrespective of whether it was RAF Direct labour, or contractors.
Sadly we don't appear to have any MP's who can penetrate the smokescreen and we also have HQAC Commandant spouting off about what a record year 2016 has been.
The problem isn't fixed yet, by a long way and I fear the story is going to continue, and there may even be some further shockers to come.............watch this space !
