We, and our allies, keep developments in the South China Sea - including the reclamation of land by the People's Republic of China - under close review. As the Secretary of State for Defence said in a speech at the Shangri-la dialogue on in Singapore on 30 May 2015 "we are disturbed by the scale and speed of current land reclamation activities and the risk that these actions may pose to maritime freedom of navigation and to the stability of the South China Sea." The detail of our assessment of the military utility of Chinese activity is classified. However, it would appear that when complete their reclamation will enable and support the deployment of Chinese military force more widely, more readily and on a more enduring basis in the South China Sea than is currently possible.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/77", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Julian Brazier"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Canterbury"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Julian Brazier"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-06-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-06-19T13:12:05.88Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-06-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Spratly Islands"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential military benefits of China's recent land reclamation and construction activities in the Spratly Islands archipelago; and if he will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/116", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Soames of Fletching"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Sussex"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir Nicholas Soames"} ], "uin" : "2256"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/349951", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/349951/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Under the Five Powers Defence Arrangements, the five powers (Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and the UK) are to consult each other "immediately" in the event or threat of an armed attack on Malaysia or Singapore for the purpose of deciding what measures should be taken jointly or separately in response. There is no specific commitment to intervene militarily. The Five Powers Defence Arrangements do not refer to exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and the enforcement of a state's EEZ rights is a matter for that state; a state may request the assistance of other states in so doing.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/77", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Julian Brazier"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Canterbury"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Julian Brazier"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-06-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-06-17T16:17:29.72Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-06-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Malaysia: Military Alliances"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Five Power Defence Arrangements cover the defence of Malaysia's exclusive economic zone; and if he will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/116", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Soames of Fletching"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Sussex"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir Nicholas Soames"} ], "uin" : "2257"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/349966", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/349966/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
To date, the Honeywell Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) II has been fitted in 18 Tornado GR4 aircraft. TCAS II is now operable in both resolution advisory and traffic advisory modes.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1542", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Philip Dunne"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Ludlow"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Philip Dunne"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-06-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-06-16T15:05:36.987Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-06-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Tornado Aircraft: Safety Measures"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Tornado GR4 aircraft have been fitted with a collision warning system; and whether or not the software problems associated with the RA mode in that system have been resolved.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4402", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Douglas Chapman"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Dunfermline and West Fife"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Douglas Chapman"} ], "uin" : "2280"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/349991", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/349991/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The wreck site of HMS Victory (1744) is not subject to a salvage operation. Officials are reviewing the Maritime Heritage Foundation's project design for recovery and curation of her cultural artefacts.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1544", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Milton Keynes North"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mark Lancaster"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-06-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-06-16T15:14:20.03Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-06-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "HMS Victory"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to progress the salvage of HMS Victory 1744.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/114", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tim Loughton"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "East Worthing and Shoreham"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Tim Loughton"} ], "uin" : "2099"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/350090", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/350090/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The A400M Atlas transport aircraft is being procured as part of a European collaborative programme, and its certification basis is explicitly defined in the multinational acquisition contract.<\/p>
The A400M Atlas' certification basis is drawn principally from recognised civil standards, with additional military certification as necessary for any specific military capabilities. The certification basis is overseen by the European Aviation Safety Agency, and is in accordance with established international airworthiness standards. The European Aviation Safety Agency has granted Type Certificates for the A400M aircraft type, engine and propeller.<\/p>
To obtain these Type Certificates, Airbus Defence and Space (the A400M Atlas Design Authority) had to present appropriate evidence for validation and approval by the European Aviation Safety Agency. In addition, certification evidence is also reviewed by an independent certification and qualification organisation established by the partner nations to provide an additional level of military certification expertise.<\/p>
A400M Atlas is already subject to a rigorous, independent certification process that has been accepted by all participating nations, and that is conducted by a competent European regulatory body with significant lineage in the certification of all Airbus aircraft products. They will review certification requirements and the associated evidence when there is new information to consider. Consequently, there are currently no plans to review this.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1542", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Philip Dunne"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Ludlow"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Philip Dunne"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-06-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-06-16T15:04:55.833Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-06-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "A400M Aircraft"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department plans to take to review the airworthiness certification regime of the A400m programme.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1438", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Beamish"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North Durham"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Kevan Jones"} ], "uin" : "2158"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/350091", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/350091/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The investigation by Spanish judicial and air accident investigation authorities into the A400M crash on 9 May 2015 is ongoing, and it would not be appropriate to make any comment prior to its conclusion.<\/p>
Once complete, the outcome of that investigation will be reviewed to determine whether any further action is considered necessary.<\/p>
Immediately after the crash the Ministry of Defence (MOD) temporarily paused flying its two A400M aircraft until more was known about the crash. I can confirm that the MOD is content that it now understands the likely cause of the crash and has put in place procedures to allow a safe return to flight and, as a consequence, UK A400M aircraft were cleared to return to flight on 15 June 2015.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1542", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Philip Dunne"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Ludlow"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Philip Dunne"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-06-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-06-16T15:04:17.01Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-06-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "A400M Aircraft: Accidents"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if his Department will prepare and publish a report on the causes of the recent crash of an A400m aircraft in Spain after the Spanish authorities have concluded their investigations.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1438", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Beamish"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North Durham"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Kevan Jones"} ], "uin" : "2159"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/350092", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/350092/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Military Aviation Authority (MAA) was established in response to the recommendations made by Mr Justice Haddon-Cave in his Nimrod Review, which called for a radical overhaul of Military Air Safety regulation.<\/p>
During 10-21 November 2014 an external audit team examined the MAA looking at its effectiveness as a regulator. MAA External Audit Panel 2014 (MEAP 14) assessed that the MAA is an effective air safety regulatory body, fit for purpose in its current role, with the opportunity to improve further as it continues to develop. MEAP 14 was satisfied that the remaining Nimrod Review recommendations have been implemented as intended, and that risks identified in previous audits have been addressed.<\/p>
<\/p>
The establishment of the MAA as an independent regulator has transformed the Department's approach to military air safety governance, with a focus on mitigating Risk to Life through the establishment of the aviation Duty Holder construct; the publication of concise, unambiguous and readily accessible regulations; a new regime for safety cases, aircraft type certification and release to service; and the establishment of an independent air accident investigation branch which has so far investigated 21 air safety occurrences and made over 460 recommendations to improve air safety.<\/p>
MEAP 14 is available at the following link:<\/p>