Bit of a long post due to the time gap, sorry about that but there are some interesting snippets…
Lord Vinson (Conservative)
To ask Her Majesty’s Government against which criteria they assessed the 2nd Battalion of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers when they took the decision to disband it; which criteria, if any, it failed to meet; and, whether they will reconsider that decision.
Hansard source (Citation: HL Deb, 14 November 2012, c289W)
Lord Astor of Hever (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Defence; Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence will continue to implement the changes set out by the Defence Secretary (Philip Hammond) in his Statement in the other place on 5 July 2012, (Hansard, col. 1085) in which he stated:
“we are reducing the size of the regular Armed Forces, but we are increasing the reserves, including an integration element of the total landforce of 120,000 with an extra £1.8 billion of investment in reserves, training and equipment”.
The criteria used to assess which battalions would be withdrawn from the Army’s order of battle and the reason for the selection of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, were detailed during the Backbench Business Committee Debate by my right honourable friend, Andrew Robathan in the other place on 18 October 2012 (Hansard, col. 557-560).
Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench)
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, following their decision not to allow Arctic convoy survivors to accept the Medal of Ushakov awarded to them by the Government of Russia, they have contacted the veterans of the Arctic convoy to explain why they took that decision; what were those reasons; and how many veterans are involved.
Hansard source (Citation: HL Deb, 14 November 2012, c289W)
Baroness Warsi (Conservative)
The decision not to give permission for the Ushakov Medal to be accepted was made in accordance with the current British rules on the acceptance of foreign awards which require that the following is taken into consideration:
whether there has been relevant service to the foreign state;whether some or all of the service took place within the past five years; and that the deeds/service which are being honoured should not already have been honoured by the UK.
The decision to refuse permission was made only after very careful consideration of all the information provided by the Russian embassy. However, it was found that this information did not show that the intended recipients had given specific service to Russia within the past five years as required by those rules. This was particularly important as the rules also say that permission will not be given for British citizens to accept a foreign award if they have received, or are expected to receive, a British award for the same services. In the case of the Arctic convoys, provision was made for those serving on the Convoys to receive medallic recognition through their specific inclusion within the criteria for the Atlantic Star medal. Whilst there were clearly different circumstances that applied to those serving on the Arctic Convoys as opposed to those facing other dangers on operations in the Atlantic, the decision was nevertheless taken that this medal should be applicable to all serving in those areas. This was a conscious decision taken by those in authority at the time and with the full facts available to them. The acceptance of another medal from the Russian Government to recognise the same service would be in contravention of the long-standing no double-medalling convention.
The noble Lord may wish to note that Sir John Holmes, in his Military Medals Review published on 17 July 2012, made a number of recommendations, including that there should be a fresh look at the policy on the acceptance of medals from another country. The Government have invited Sir John to undertake further work to implement his recommendations. This has begun, with an initial focus on looking at the case for medals for a number of past campaigns, including the Arctic Convoys.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, my honourable friend Mr Simmonds is, however, seeking explanations as to whether this rule is necessary and desirable in all circumstances.
Paul Flynn (Newport West, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost of repatriating equipment from Afghanistan to the UK in the current and each of the next four years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c223W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 12 November 2012
The Ministry of Defence is currently determining what equipment we will repatriate from Afghanistan, how we will achieve this and what the likely cost will be.
Lindsay Roy (Glenrothes, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military personnel who have been seriously injured in Afghanistan have been returned to and been treated in Selly Oak Hospital.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c223W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The number of very seriously injured and seriously injured service personnel aeromedically evacuated from operations in Afghanistan and treated at Selly Oak Hospital up to June 2010 and/or at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham at some point in their care pathway is 509. This covers a reporting period from 8 October 2007, the earliest date for which data are available, to 30 September 2012.
Selly Oak Hospital has now closed, and the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine and the military ward in the hospital have relocated to the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on school fees grants for serving soldiers.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c223W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
School fees for the children of serving soldiers are covered within the continuity of education allowance (CEA) package which forms an important element of our support to our service personnel and their families, providing a stable education environment for their children.
Our records indicate that there have been four representations on CEA since 1 January 2012. One of these was in regard to CEA policy and the other three concerned entitlement.
Sammy Wilson (East Antrim, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) how many military personnel have been made redundant since 2010;
(2) how many military personnel will be made redundant by 2015.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c225W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Between 1 January 2010 and 31 August 2012 some 2,300 regular military personnel left the armed forces under the current armed forces redundancy programme. A further 4,300 military personnel are due to depart by June 2013, This will complete tranches one and two of the programme. Tranche two is the last major tranche for the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force, although a small number of redundancies may be required for senior officers (colonel and brigadier equivalents) and senior medical staff on completion of the Senior Liability Review and the Defence Medical Services 20 study.
With regard to the total number of military personnel who will be made redundant by 2015, there is likely to be a requirement for two further main tranches for the Army, in order to achieve the reductions to a strength of around 82,000 by 2020. However, no decisions have yet been made.
These changes form part of the overall programme to restructure the armed forces and their capabilities by implementing the conclusions of the Strategic Defence and Security Review. Our goal of battle—winning armed forces, together with a smaller, more professional Ministry of Defence, also involves a reduction of 32,000 civilian personnel by 2020.
Jim Cunningham (Coventry South, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the proximity of pensionable age is taken into account when deciding which members of the armed forces to make redundant.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c226W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 12 November 2012
No. When selecting personnel of the armed forces for compulsory redundancy no consideration was given to the proximity of the immediate pension point. As we reduce the size of the armed forces, our priority is to ensure that the services maintain the correct balance of those skills and experience across the rank structures which are required to deliver operational capability now and in the future, and it is this which has determined the redundancy fields.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 26 October 2012, Official Report, column 1074W, on armed forces: sexual offences, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the (a) Royal Navy and (b) Army campaign in relation to raising awareness of sexual assault; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c226W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Each of the single service police forces undertakes crime and incident analysis, including the reporting of sexual assault, as part of their annual strategic assessments. However, there has been no specific assessment of the effectiveness of either the Royal Navy or the Army poster campaigns, which began earlier this year.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the operational benefits of the Vehicle Systems Information Exploitation Health and Usage Monitoring System; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c226W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is undertaking work to develop vehicle and equipment sub-systems and exploit the information they provide on vehicle performance and reliability. This will ensure that operational benefits are gained through improved equipment availability, better fleet management and optimised through life support.
Specifically, the MOD is in the process of equipping over 500 combat vehicles in the Operational Training Fleet with a Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS). This project will connect information between vehicle platforms, MOD establishments and industry leading to improved fleet performance and availability.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) what assessment he has made of the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance upgrade; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what progress has been made towards completion of the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance upgrade.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c227W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance Tracked (CVR(T)) has received a number of upgrades since entering service in 1972. CVR(T) Mk2 in its upgraded form was fielded as an urgent operational requirement (UOR) to operations in Afghanistan in September 2011 and has achieved full operating capability.
BAE Systems, as the design authority, was contracted as the prime contractor, which provided greater risk assurance due to the timescales involved with fielding the UOR vehicle. It was the company’s role to ensure that the chosen solution was compliant with the requirements set by the Ministry of Defence and to undertake sub-contract arrangements, including competition where appropriate, with a number of small and medium sized enterprises.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect that deployment of the upgraded Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance in theatre will have on UK military capability.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c227W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance has had several upgrades since it originally deployed to Afghanistan. These upgrades, primarily to improve the performance and protection of the vehicle, have been in response to the evolving nature of the threat faced in theatre and have been specific to operations in Afghanistan. In terms of the UK’s broader military capability, the upgrades do not affect the out of service date for the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance family of vehicles, which is planned to be complete by 2026.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department of the memorandum of understanding recently signed between MASS and BAE Systems.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c227W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
This is a commercial matter between the companies concerned.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on the costs to service personnel of gym membership at BATUS in Canada.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c227W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend Mr Hammond, has not received any representations on the costs to service personnel of gym membership at British Army Training Unit Suffield.
Service personnel are not required to pay for gym membership.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress his Department has made on the provision of wi-fi networks at BATUS Canada.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c228W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Wi-fi is provided in British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) through non-public welfare funds. We continue to seek ways in which the service can be improved, including upgrades via the Canadian I-Net system.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which recommendations of the Levene report on Defence reform: an independent report into the structure and management of the Ministry of Defence he has implemented.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c228W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
holding answer 5 November 2012
We accepted all of Lord Levene’s recommendations and will have implemented the majority of his recommendations by April 2013, although a small number of the changes will require longer to implement in full.
Recommendations in implementation of which is complete include: strengthening top level decision making; clarifying the roles of the Permanent Secretary and Chief of the Defence Staff; the roles of the Service Chiefs and how they provide their advice; creation of the Joint Forces Command and appointment of its first Commander; the role of the Cost Assurance and Analysis Service; disestablishment of the former Central Top Level Budget organisation; introduction of the new Joint Assured model for management of senior military officers; and arrangements for personal oversight of implementation by the Secretary of State.
We are making good progress on his other recommendations. We have published the new Head Office concept and senior structure setting out the role of a smaller, more strategic Head Office and we are implementing new command structures for the Navy, Army and Air Force, all delivering a significant reduction in senior posts; we are on course to introduce the new delegated financial and military capability operating model with an effective process for holding TLB Holders to account; and we are on course to reach full operational capability for the new Joint Forces Command. We expect these changes to come into force from April 2013 as planned, with subsequent fine-tuning as necessary as they bed down. Work also continues to improve talent management, determine the future arrangements for Defence Equipment and Support and deliver further efficiencies in our enabling services through the development of Defence Business Services and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, drawing on private sector expertise. This is all underpinned by a long-term programme to drive the right behaviours across defence: leadership at every level, everyone working together to make defence as a whole stronger, and modern, innovative ways of doing business.
As set out in his report, Lord Levene is currently conducting his first annual review of implementation. I will report on progress to Parliament in light of his conclusions when I have received them.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent steps he has taken to ensure that equipment for the armed forces is procured in the UK.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c229W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The overall approach was set out in the National Security Through Technology White Paper (CM 8278) published in February 2012. This makes it clear that we will work to enable UK-based industry to be sufficiently competitive to provide best value for money in meeting our defence and security needs. This includes: sustaining the level of investment in defence science and technology at 1.2% of the defence budget; encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises to fulfil their potential in responding to defence requirements; and increasing support for defence exports. The Ministry of Defence is also working closely with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to support the Defence growth partnership announced by the Prime Minister at the Farnborough International Airshow in July.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of defence procurement; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the process is more robust.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c229W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
A core element of Defence Transformation is to reform the acquisition system to drive better value for money from the defence budget. This includes the Materiel Strategy, involving a comprehensive analysis of defence acquisition activities. This has concluded that reforms are essential to address the legacy problems in defence acquisition that have led to cost and schedule overruns.
The Ministry of Defence is currently considering the value for money case for a government owned contractor operated (GOCO) entity for Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S). Subject to the outcome of this work, an investment appraisal will follow that will test the GOCO model against the alternative of an improved DE&S.
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 30 October 2012, Official Report, column 166W, what proportion of contracts tendered were placed through the single source non-competitive process in each of the last three years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c230W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Details of new contracts placed with the Ministry of Defence, including those placed through a non-competitive process, are published annually in the UK Defence Statistics, the most recent version of which is available at:
http://www.dasa.mod.uk/modintranet/UKDS/UKDS2011/c1/table115.php
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) what estimate he has made of the number of jobs in Scotland linked (a) indirectly and (b) directly to the (i) Type 26 programme, (ii) carrier programme, (iii) Astute successor programme and (iv) nuclear deterrent programme;
(2) what estimate he has made of the number of jobs in Scotland linked (a) indirectly and (b) directly to the defence industry;
(3) in which Scottish towns and cities there are jobs (a) indirectly and (b) directly linked to the UK defence industry;
(4) how many people are employed in Scotland in jobs linked (a) indirectly and (b) directly to UK military aircraft manufacture;
(5) how many people are employed in Scotland in jobs linked (a) indirectly and (b) directly to UK military shipbuilding.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c230W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answers 9, 12 and 13 November 2012
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) no longer compiles national or regional employment statistics, as they do not directly support policymaking or operations.
The MOD does not, therefore, hold information centrally about the number of jobs in Scotland linked to the programmes or sectors listed, or for the Scottish defence industry as a whole. The MOD, however, does hold some indicative figures which show that an estimated 5,500 jobs are directly linked to UK military shipbuilding in Scotland in general, including associated support staff working at the shipyards.
For the following specific programmes the MOD also has indicative figures relating to directly linked jobs. There are currently approximately 170 industry jobs in Scotland linked directly to the Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme at BAE Systems Maritime—Naval Ships’ (BAE MNS) site in Scotstoun.
There are more than 2,000 industry jobs at BAE MNS’s shipyards on the Clyde, and up to a further 2,000 at Babcock Marine’s site in Rosyth, directly linked to the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier programme. However, the precise numbers at each location vary depending on the work being undertaken at the time.
Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde sustains some 6,500 jobs, the majority of which play a role in supporting the UK’s military nuclear programme including the nuclear deterrent and the Astute Class submarine. The MOD intends to base permanently the Astute and Trafalgar Class submarines in the Clyde, creating an additional 1,500 jobs. There are also approximately 300 industry jobs linked directly to the programme at the Naval Reactor Test Establishment at Dounreay.
The MOD does not hold information about the numbers of jobs indirectly linked to these programmes.
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received of the theft of munitions from DM Longtown; whether those reports will delay his final decision about its future; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c231W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 9 November 2012
On 25 October 2012, a number of bar mines were stolen from a munitions train near Warrington which was transporting them from the Defence Munitions (DM) site at Longtown. All of the mines have now been recovered and the police have made arrests in connection with this incident.
It is important that the circumstances surrounding this incident are fully understood. I have therefore deferred my decision on the future of explosive storage and processing at DM Longtown until ongoing investigations have been completed and any implications for munitions transport and storage have been properly taken into account.
Roger Godsiff (Birmingham, Hall Green, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role Elbit Systems play in (a) the Joint Venture Company set up with Thales UK and (b) the overall development of Unmanned Air Systems in the UK.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c231W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The role of Elbit Systems in Unmanned Air Vehicle Tactical Systems Limited is a matter for the companies concerned.
With regards to Ministry of Defence unmanned air systems (UAS) programmes, Elbit Systems acts as a subcontractor to Thales UK and provides the air vehicles, related ground control technology and operator training for the in-service Hermes 450 UAS. The Watchkeeper UAS, which will replace Hermes, builds on technological expertise developed for the Hermes system, with Elbit Systems acting as subcontractor to Thales UK for the provision of the air vehicles and related ground control.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the personnel requirements of his Department for the analysis of ELINT data; what steps he is taking to ensure that the requirement is met in (a) 2012-13 and (b) subsequent years; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c231W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence keeps under regular review the personnel requirements for staff with specialist electronic intelligence (ELINT) skills and continues to take the necessary steps to ensure that the requirement for future years will be met.
Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received on problems with the gearbox on HMS Dragon; and how much longer she will remain in HM Naval Base Portsmouth before resuming full service.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c232W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
A problem with HMS Dragon’s engine was reported on 27 August 2012 when a defective bearing was identified in the ship’s integrated propulsion system during a routine inspection. It has been established that the problem did not affect the auxiliary gearbox.
Following a successful repair, the ship has already resumed her planned operational programme.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on information technology in the last three financial years; and how much of this sum was spent on (a) software development and testing and (b) application including (i) staff training, (ii) the cost of new hardware and software and (iii) the cost of launching into the live environment.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c233W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Ministry of Defence (MOD) expenditure on IT and telecommunications for use across the armed services and MOD totalled £1.8 billion in 2009-10 and the same in 2010-11. This includes the costs of IT services, equipment purchases, telephone line, telephone rental charges and the service concession arrangements formerly known as the private finance initiative service charges. expenditure for 2011-12 has not yet been finalised.
A breakdown of this expenditure into the categories requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on the procurement of the F-35 joint strike fighter jet; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c233W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The UK is committed to the purchase of the short take off vertical landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter and took delivery of its first two aircraft in July and October 2012, with both being used for initial operational test and evaluation. A third aircraft is on schedule for delivery in the second quarter of 2013. The UK will commence training for pilots and maintainers in December 2012 at Eglin Air Force Base in the US.
As announced in the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) we plan to deliver a carrier strike capability from around 2020 with embarked trials scheduled for 2018.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the F-35 joint strike fighter jet will be battle-ready.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c233W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Under current planning assumptions, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has a provisional initial operating capability of 2018, with the aircraft’s in-service date not due to be finalised until its next investment decision point. As stated in the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review, it is the UK’s intention to have the Carrier Strike capability from 2020.
The first two test and evaluation aircraft were delivered this summer. The first production aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2016.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the capabilities of the F-35 joint strike fighter will differ from those of the Harrier.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c233W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is a fifth-generation aircraft that represents a step change in capability compared to the third generation Harrier. Unlike the Harrier, it is an all-weather stealth aircraft with an autonomous intelligence-gathering capability, and it has significantly greater range and speed. It can also carry a larger payload of more advanced weapons than the Harrier.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) which industry partners are involved in the implementation of the maritime collaborative working environment;
(2) what assessment he has made of the operational benefits of the maritime collaborative working environment.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c234W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The maritime collaborative working environment (MCWE) is a secure collaborative workspace that allows the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to share classified information with industry partners in a protected manner. The MCWE also contains advanced information technology features, which underpin various business critical, design management and safety processes. These are used to support the operation of Royal Navy submarines and surface ships.
The MCWE service is provided by Babcock International Group, through its Maritime Technology division.
The MCWE service is used by the MOD and its industrial partners including:
Babcock;
BAE Systems;
Rolls-Royce;
Lockheed Martin;
Ultra Electronics;
QinetiQ;
BMT Defence Services;
SEA; and
Xpedite.
Douglas Carswell (Clacton, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what meetings former senior civil servants in his Department have had with Ministers or officials in the Department in relation to the procurement programmes for (a) Future Lynx, (b) Fire Shadow and (c) Merlin re-fit since June 2010.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c234W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not maintain a central database recording the employment history of all former senior civil servants. The information requested is therefore not available or could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
However, within two years of leaving the civil service or the armed forces, former MOD personnel must obtain approval before taking up new employment if their roles within their former profession fell within a set of criteria (for instance access to commercially sensitive information of interest to their prospective employer). Employment applications by former MOD personnel at four star level or above, or that are deemed particularly controversial, would be referred to the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.
Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes he plans to recommend to the disbursement arrangements for NATO’s Common Funds.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c235W)
Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)
holding answer 9 November 2012
While we have no plans to recommend changes to the disbursement arrangements for common funds at present, we do support a wider review of how common funding may be used, particularly if a way can be found to support collective training and exercises, an activity highlighted in the strategic concept, and thus maintain levels of operability post-international security assistance force. However, it must be a genuine force-multiplier and not a subsidy for those allies who do not invest appropriately in acquiring defence capabilities.
Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many UK armed forces personnel are serving overseas in NATO-led operations.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c235W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
holding answer 12 November 2012
UK armed forces personnel are currently serving overseas on four NATO-led operations. In Kosovo there are two personnel in Kosovo Force (KFOR) posts (one permanent and one temporary). One member of the UK armed forces is serving with Operation Ocean Shield. 45 UK personnel—the ship’s company of a Sandown Class ship—are serving with the Standing Naval Mine Counter-Measures Group 2.
The only other NATO operation on which UK armed forces are currently serving overseas is Afghanistan. The precise number of personnel in Afghanistan fluctuates on a daily basis for a variety of reasons, including mid-tour rest and recuperation, temporary absence for training, evacuation for medical reasons, the roulement of forces, visits and a range of other factors.
We do not, therefore, publish actual figures for personnel deployed. I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Prime Minister on 6 July 2011, Hansard, columns 1511-4, and confirmed by the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend Mr Hammond, on 26 April 2012, Hansard, column 1118, that we are in the process of reducing the number of military posts established in Afghanistan to 9,000, which will be achieved by 31 December 2012.
Paul Flynn (Newport West, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) how many staff in his Department are employed on the Trident replacement design programme;
(2) how many new staff his Department expects to employ on the Trident replacement submarine design programme as a result of the announcements on spending in (a) May 2012 and (b) October 2012.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c235W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The number of Ministry of Defence staff employed solely on the Successor submarine programme is approximately 130, although others contribute to the programme. This figure will change as the programme progresses, but is not affected by either of the recent announcements.
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent estimate he has made of his Department’s likely level of expenditure in 2012-13.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c236W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
holding answer 12 November 2012
This information is accessible on the Treasury website on pages 328 and 329 of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Main Supply Estimates 2012-13 PDF at:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/main_supply_estimates_ 2012_13.htm
We shall update our forecast of this financial year’s outturn in the MOD’s 2012-13 Spring Supplementary Estimates which are planned to be laid before the House in February 2013.
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the posts identified for redundancy within his Department in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13 were categorised as safety-critical.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c236W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) did not identify any specific posts for redundancy. Decisions on redundancy related to individuals within specified fields. The MOD remains committed to safety; and safety-critical roles will continue to be filled.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) which firms based in Scotland have contracts with his Department;
(2) how many contracts his Department has with firms based in Scotland.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c236W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 13 November 2012
As at 1 November 2012 the Ministry of Defence held 474 live contracts where more than 50% of the work was being undertaken in Scotland. These contracts have been placed with 222 contractors. Due to the large amount of data that would be required to list these contractors, the information will take time to collate. I will write to the right hon. Member as soon as it is available.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) when the Sea King ASaC.7 will be retired; and what airborne early warning asset will replace it;
(2) if he will estimate how much has been spent on the Crowsnest programme to date; and how much he plans to spend on that programme in each year to 2020;
(3) what assessment he has made of the ability to provide organic air surveillance and early warning after the retirement of the Sea King ASaC.7.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c237W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (SKASaC) aircraft will be retired in 2016 when the Sea King fleet exits service in entirety. Crowsnest is the project that will provide a replacement for this capability.
Crowsnest is expected to enter its assessment phase in 2013. While there has been no direct spend on the project to date, approximately £18 million has been spent on relevant development work under predecessor projects. Crowsnest has not yet passed its main investment decision point. I am therefore unable to provide details of planned expenditure, as disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.
Surveillance and control capability is provided by a range of platforms and equipment that work together in a layered approach. If Crowsnest were not available immediately on retirement of SKASaC, other systems could provide a surveillance and control capability until such time as Crowsnest came into service.
Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of his Department’s staff are (a) male and (b) female.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c237W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The most recent figures on the proportions of male and female staff in the Ministry of Defence, as at 1 July 2012, for civilian personnel is 62.6% male and 37.4% female. The figures for service personnel are 90.3% male and 9.7% female.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent steps he has taken to commission research into military stealth technology.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c237W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Analysis of stealth technology is routinely conducted on an on-going basis.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) how many of those in employment linked (a) indirectly and (b) directly to the Astute successor programme are expected to work on the Vanguard replacement programme once the Astute is complete;
(2) how many jobs are linked (a) indirectly and (b) directly to the Astute successor programme; and where each such job is based in the UK.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c237W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
It has been clarified that these questions are referring to the Astute submarine programme itself.
The Ministry of Defence does not hold information centrally about the number of jobs linked to the Astute programme.
Estimates are, however, that the Astute programme sustains around 5,000 BAE Systems Maritime and Submarines jobs across the UK, and thousands of jobs through roughly 400 suppliers across the UK submarine supply chain.
It is too early to comment on how many of these jobs will be required to support the successor submarine programme as this will depend on decisions to be made at Main Gate in 2016. It is clear, however, that as part of achieving a sustainable submarine industry, many of the highly skilled people across industry currently working on the Astute submarines are likely to be involved in delivering the successor submarines.
Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion, Green)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was of the Trident missile test launch in the Atlantic ocean on 23 October 2012.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c238W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The test launch of a Trident missile in the Atlantic ocean on 23 October 2012 took place as part of the Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO) for HMS Vigilant. The cost of the test launch cannot be disaggregated from the overall cost of the DASO.
A DASO is critical for demonstrating the effectiveness of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. It comprises a comprehensive series of system and sub-system tests, and provides a period of intensive training for the submarine’s crew. It evaluates the complete weapon system, including crew performance, and concludes with an unarmed Trident missile firing. The resultant data underwrites both UK and US system assurance. Following HMS Vigilant’s long overhaul period (refuel), the DASO was conducted as a routine operation before the submarine re-enters service. Prior to the test firing from HMS Vigilant, the most recent UK DASO was completed by HMS Victorious in 2009.
Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion, Green)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is his policy to inform other governments of Trident missile tests; whether any other governments were informed in advance of the test that took place on 23 October 2012; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c238W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The UK is a signatory to The Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation and is obliged to inform the 133 other signatories of ballistic missile and space-launch vehicle launches and test flights; this notification is carried out some days before the scheduled launch event. In addition, the UK issued direct, voluntary pre-launch notifications to Russia, China, France and Canada ahead of the launch.
Paul Flynn (Newport West, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to his Department’s press release of 29 October 2012 announcing £350 million for successor submarines, what methodology his Department used to estimate that funding would sustain 1,200 jobs.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c239W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The £350 million investment represents the second set of work packages on the assessment phase of the Successor submarine programme. Information on the number of jobs sustained by these work packages was provided by the relevant contractors: BAE Systems Maritime—Submarines (BAES) and Babcock Marine. The 1,200 figure consists of approximately 1,100 BAES personnel and 100 Babcock Marine personnel working on the Successor programme.
Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion, Green)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make each further spending announcement during the Trident replacement submarine design phase; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c239W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Announcements on spending on the assessment phase of the Successor submarine programme will be made as appropriate during the period leading up to the Main Gate investment decision in 2016.
Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has taken steps to support other countries in implementing the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate Illicit Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects in each of the last five years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c239W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Since its adoption by the United Nations (UN) in 2001, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has consistently provided support to a number of states to build and strengthen their capacity to implement the UN Programme of Action, to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate Illicit Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.
Over the past five years this support has included visits to states in Africa, the middle east and Asia where MOD personnel have provided technical assistance to improve physical security and stockpile management, ammunition and disposal procedures. In addition to this technical training the MOD has also assisted states physically to dispose of surplus small arms and light weapons (SALW). The MOD has also provided border security training to states and funded the acquisition of weapon-marking machines to assist them to combat illicit trafficking.
The MOD continues to support Her Majesty’s Government efforts to secure a strong, legally binding Arms Trade treaty which will introduce common international standards for exports of conventional arms, including SALW, thereby reducing the opportunity for this equipment to reach the illicit market.
Tom Watson (West Bromwich East, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether (a) he and (b) his Department have had discussions on the development of drones by states outside the UK in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c240W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Secretary of State for Defence, Defence Ministers and Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials regularly discuss a wide range of issues with international colleagues, including the development of Unmanned Air Systems (UAS).
The MOD monitors development of UAS in an international context. This includes those developed by allies, which may provide opportunities for collaborative procurement, as well as those developed by potential threat countries, so as to inform our own capability planning.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance his Department offers soldiers leaving the Army with job search skills and CV presentation.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c240W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence, through its contracted partner Right Management, provides resettlement services, which include advice, workshops, training and job finding. This arrangement is known as the Career Transition Partnership (CTP).
The CTP provides career transition workshops, which specifically include CV writing and interview skills at regional resettlement centres in UK and Germany.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress is being made on replacing the Gazelle helicopter at BATUS in Canada.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 20 November 2012, c459W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The British Army’s Gazelle fleet, which is currently operated in the United Kingdom and at British Army training Unit Suffield (BATUS) in Canada, is due to be withdrawn from service in 2018. Options to provide the capability currently provided by the Gazelle Fleet beyond 2018 are being considered and a decision will be taken in due course.
Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for which enduring tasks the Royal Navy was required to withdraw assets during the Libyan operations.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 20 November 2012, c459W)
Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)
During the operations in Libya the Royal Navy reprioritised a number of its assets, some of which were nominally allocated to standing or contingent enduring tasks. A range of mitigation measures were put in place to manage any resultant impact on operations.
Julian Lewis (New Forest East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) current and (b) planned future duty roster is for protecting the Sea Mounting Centre at Marchwood on (i) weekdays and (ii) weekends of the (A) Defence Fire Service and (B) Hampshire Fire and Rescue; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 20 November 2012, c459W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 24 October 2012
The current arrangements at the Sea Mounting Centre Marchwood provide for a 24 hours seven days a week operational Fire and Rescue Service, consisting of one fire appliance and a minimum crew of 5 fire-fighters provided by the Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation (DFRMO).
The planned future arrangements will provide for an operational Fire and Rescue Service provided by DFRMO consisting of one fire appliance and a minimum crew of five fire-fighters during normal site operating hours only, primarily Monday to Friday working days; exact timings are yet to be agreed. In the event that higher risk activities are undertaken outside of normal site operating hours DFRMO will provide additional fire cover for the duration of the activity. Higher risk activities may include the loading and unloading of munitions or other hazardous cargo.
This decision follows a DFRMO risk assessment which identified areas where reductions in onsite fire and rescue services would not compromise Defence assets, public safety or prevent high risk activities from being undertaken.
The onsite fire cover arrangements identified are in addition to the normal Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service predetermined response to the site, which is considered to provide suitable response in line with the level of risk identified.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the ability of the RC135 Airseeker aircraft to meet the Military Aviation Authority’s certification and release to source processes as required by the European Aviation Safety Agency Part 21 regulations; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 20 November 2012, c460W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Ministry of Defence specialists are working closely with their counterparts in the US Air Force to ensure that the RC-135W aircraft will meet UK certification criteria and gain a Release to Service before it enters service in late 2014.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the involvement has been of UK military personnel in the villages of (a) Al Aqaba and (b) Khirbet Tana in Afghanistan.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c492W)
Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)
holding answer 20 November 2012
I assume the hon. Member is referring to Israel and the Occupied Territories. We have no record of deploying UK military personnel to either Al Aqaba or Khirbet Tana.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the disturbance allowance to ensure that extra costs for overseas moves are adequately reflected.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c492W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Disturbance allowance will be reviewed as part of the New Employment Model programme.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the timeliness of nursery education payments for Army personnel.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c492W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Isolated detachment nursery allowance is paid to service communities, small stations and isolated detachments overseas where service children’s education facilities are not available for three and four-year-old children. This forms an important part of the support given to our service personnel at these overseas posts.
I am not aware of any delays in making these routine payments to our families where entitled.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he plans to take to improve provision of educational programmes for members of the armed forces.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c492W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Under the Defence systems approach to training quality standards, all training and education is subject to continuous improvement through evaluation and review in order to ensure that it remains current and relevant. This process ensures that educational programmes for members of the armed forces are updated or improved as necessary.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to improve retention of highly experienced officers in the armed forces.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c492W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
All members of the armed forces continue to receive an attractive package of terms and conditions of service, and targeted incentives are employed as a means of tackling shortages in particular areas. We do not, however, consider that there is a specific issue to be addressed regarding the retention of highly experienced officers.
The Ministry of Defence does, however, recognise that the current employment model for service personnel has not changed much in the last 40 years and requires improvement to better meet the needs of today’s modern armed forces. The New Employment Model programme has been established to redesign existing employment arrangements for service personnel, and aims to promote greater stability in service life balanced against the requirement to deliver operational capability. It will be designed to meet the expectations of a generation that has yet to join, but it must be delivered in a way that continues to support and motivate existing personnel. It is anticipated that a period of consultation with service personnel will commence in summer 2013.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many officers left the armed forces before retirement age in each of the last five years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c493W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The information is not held in the format requested. The armed forces retirement age varies according to the terms of service for the individual’s branch or trade, their length of commission or engagement and operational requirements. In the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, the usual age for termination of service is 55, but the retirement age may be extended subject to the demands of the service.
The Ministry of Defence does, however, regularly publish information relating to outflow of personnel from the Department, including specific statistics about outflow of officers. This information is available in the public domain in the National Statistics Publications section of the
www.dasa.mod.uk
website in tables 7 and 8 of ‘TSP 19—UK Regular Forces Intake and Outflow by Age’, Table 7a of the ‘UK Armed Forces—Quarterly Personnel Report’, Table 8 (on page 13) of the ‘UK Armed Forces—Annual Manning Report’ and Table 8 (on page 14) of the ‘UK Armed Forces—Annual Personnel Report’.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on the adequacy of the overseas living allowance for Army families living in Canada.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c493W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
There have been no specific representations made recently to the Ministry of Defence regarding local overseas allowance (LOA) in Canada. The LOA rate is reviewed annually.
In addition, as part of the New Employment Model programme, consideration will be given to the future needs of service personnel and their families, including any specific needs of personnel assigned overseas.
Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the use of offshore employment companies in the supply of public sector workers in his Department and its associated public bodies.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c494W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
A new framework agreement covering the use of temporary labour by all Government Departments, is currently under consideration.
Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions UK personnel flew armed remotely-piloted air system missions during Operation Ellamy.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c494W)
Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)
During Operation Ellamy last year, UK personnel embedded with United States forces contributed to around 200 armed remotely piloted air system missions as part of the NATO mission in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973.
Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how he intends to provide maritime surveillance capability.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c494W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 20 November 2012
The UK’s maritime surveillance capabilities are delivered by a wide range of platforms and assets, including ships, submarines, aircraft and space and sea-bed based capabilities, and every Royal Navy vessel at sea carries out maritime surveillance routinely and continually.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his American and French counterparts on co-operation on (a) training and (b) weapons.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c494W)
Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)
The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend Mr Hammond, is in regular communication with his American and French counterparts on a broad range of defence issues.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the value of savings achieved through recycling at British Army Training Unit Suffield.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c494W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Army has recently joined the Canadian Armed Forces’ recycling contract at British Army Training Unit Suffield and expects to save £950,000 per year as a result. By continuing to work with the Canadians, other potential recycling opportunities are being identified, which may produce further savings in the future.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what non-military uses are made of data collected by Royal Navy survey vessels.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c495W)
Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)
The Royal Navy survey vessels are primarily involved in military data gathering in support of the Defence Hydrographic programme. Wherever possible Royal Navy survey assets, within limitations of programming, support the Civil Hydrographic programme, the National Hydrographic programme and assist in meeting the obligations imposed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and Safety of Life at Sea.
Further examples include the support of the Royal Navy Ice Patrol Ship to the British Antarctic survey, the Meteorological Office, and the collection of side scan sonar and bathymetric data in UK waters for the British Geological survey.
Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff were (a) employed and (b) consulted on the production of the 2006 White Paper entitled The Future of the UK Independent Nuclear Deterrent.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c498W)
Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)
The 2006 White Paper entitled The Future of the UK Independent Nuclear Deterrent (Cm 6994) was produced by the Deterrent Options Policy Group, which consisted of around 10 people. This group consulted widely within the Ministry of Defence, other Government Departments and the wider stakeholder community.
Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the unit production cost of the Type-45 frigate is.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c498W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 20 November 2012
The Type-45 destroyer unit production cost is £651 million, as reported in the National Audit Office Major Projects Report for 2011.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to address the needs of ex-service personnel in Northern Ireland affected by post traumatic stress disorder.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c498W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The healthcare of our former service personnel is a matter that this Government continues to take very seriously. The provision of healthcare in Northern Ireland is a devolved issue and matter for the Northern Ireland Executive. Mental health and the extension of services, including psychological therapy for all citizens, is a Northern Ireland Executive priority. However, in recognition of their special circumstances, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) funds the provision of the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) and the Royal Irish Regiment Home Service (R Irish (HS)) After Care Service which provides medical, vocational, welfare and benevolence support to former UDR and R Irish (HS) soldiers and their families.
The MOD also offers a thorough mental health assessment to ex-service personnel deployed on operations since 1982, including those living in Northern Ireland, who may be concerned that they have a mental health problem related to their military service. This is provided through the Veterans and Reserves Mental Health Programme (previously the Medical Assessment Programme). The MOD Service Personnel and Veterans Agency and Veterans Welfare Service are also able to provide support and assistance to ex-service personnel residing in Northern Ireland.
Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic in 2013.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c498W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Government is considering a number of commemorative events for both world war one and world war two.
The Ministry of Defence is considering several requests to support civil society-led commemorations of the Battle of the Atlantic and discussions are ongoing.
Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East, Labour)
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 31 October 2012, Official Report, column 296W, on Trident, what the overall cost to date of the Trident Alternatives Review is by category of expenditure.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 22 November 2012, c563W)
Danny Alexander (Chief Secretary, HM Treasury; Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, Liberal Democrat)
I have been asked to reply
as the Minister responsible for the Trident Alternatives Review.
Pursuant to my answer of 31 October 2012, Hansard, column 296W, the costs of the review are met from within existing departmental budgets, and are limited to the time spent by experts in providing advice and to any incidental travel costs associated with attending meetings. These costs are not centrally recorded and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Nick Harvey (North Devon, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the possibility of both the aircraft carriers currently under construction entering into operation by 2020.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 22 November 2012, c584W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 18 September 2012, Hansard, column 615W, to Thomas Docherty.
Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether HMS Ocean has an end-of-service date.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 22 November 2012, c585W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The date of HMS Ocean’s withdrawal from service has not yet been decided.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 1 November 2012, Official Report, column 372W, on Libya, whether the Voyager tanker was used for any mid-air refuelling requirements during Operation Ellamy.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 22 November 2012, c585W)
Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)
No. The first Voyager aircraft was not due to have been delivered until after Op Ellamy had finished.
Mark Spencer (Sherwood, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy not to commit British forces to combat in Syria.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c18W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
As the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), made clear to the House on 20 November 2012, Hansard, columns 449-50, we believe that a diplomatic and political solution is necessary to deliver a sustainable solution to the crisis in Syria.
However, while perusing such a solution, we will not rule out any option, in accordance with international law, that might save innocent lives in Syria and prevent the destabilisation of a region that is critical to the security of the UK.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the destination of equipment removed from Afghanistan will be as a result of the drawdown of troops.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c18W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
No decisions have yet been taken on the return of equipment from Afghanistan.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many sea cadets there are in each part of the UK; and what steps he is taking to increase the number of sea cadets.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c18W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Sea cadet units are independent charities in their own right. They are affiliated to the Marine Society and Sea Cadets (MSSC), which in itself is a charity. The Sea Cadet Corps is run by the MSSC under a memorandum of understanding with the Royal Navy. As at 1 April 2012, there were 13,860(1) sea cadets in the UK. This number cannot be broken down into specific regions.
Sea cadet numbers are growing at approximately 3% per annum. To encourage the continuing growth of numbers, the MSSC is seeking to make the Sea Cadet Corps experience more attractive, accessible and relevant.
In addition, the cadet expansion programme launched in June 2012 includes the option for state secondary schools in England to open sea cadet units.
(1) Source—National Statistics TSP7—UK Reserve Forces and MOD Sponsored Cadet Forces April 2012.
Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to examine the physical and mental state of soldiers prior to deployment.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c19W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 22 November 2012
All armed forces personnel undergo a thorough programme of training and preparation prior to operational deployment. This will include checks on their health to ensure that they are both physically and mentally fit for operational service. No personnel will be deployed on a particular operation unless they have been medically assessed as fit to do so.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information newly-recruited members of the armed forces receive on how to report (a) rape and (b) sexual assault; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c19W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 26 October 2012, Hansard, columns 1073-74W, which advised that each service had a code which set out the values and standards expected from service personnel. In addition, the following information is given to newly recruited members.
Army recruits receive, as part of their training, a leaflet detailing the Army Code of Conduct and Behaviour for Recruits. Although this does not specifically mention sexual assault or rape, it does talk about all forms of harassment whether physical or mental, and includes a full list of people and organisations the individual should go to if they have a complaint.
Navy recruits receive training which covers the role of the Service Police and in addition are advised of the duty to report incidents where they suspect another person of committing an offence, and how they can make a complaint themselves, whether this concerns criminal conduct or a grievance about their treatment.
Royal Air Force recruits receive information concerning the non-governmental organisations which provide advice and support to serving personnel such as the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), which provides a range of welfare services.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his Canadian counterpart on culling deer and elk at BATUS Canada.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c20W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend Mr Hammond, has had no discussions with his Canadian counterpart on culling deer and elk at British Army Training Unit Suffield in Canada. This is a sovereign issue for the Canadian Government.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent progress has been made on gym and swimming pool facilities at BATUS Canada.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c20W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
All personnel stationed at British Army Training Unit Suffield have access to gym and sports facilities. This includes a swimming pool, which was closed recently due to a leak. Surveys and tests have been conducted to determine the source of the leak, the results of which are awaited. A decision will then be taken on the way ahead.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the role of BATUS Canada is in logistics training.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c20W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Logistic units deploy to British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) in order to train for their operational roles, as well as to provide real life support, for example, food, cleaning and laundry to the combat troops eg infantry, cavalry and Army Air Corps and to combat support, eg Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers and Royal Signals units in their brigade. The provision of real life support to troops training at BATUS is both an essential enabler to other units’ training as well as being a training opportunity in itself for those logistic units.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration his Department has given to conducting winter training at BATUS Canada.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c20W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Winter training in British Army Training Unit Suffield is currently not undertaken. Our requirement for armoured and armoured infantry battlegroup training can be met by exercising in the months from April to October.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what opportunities are available for training at BATUS Canada for UK-based armed forces pilots.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c20W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
British Army Training Unit Suffield offers many opportunities for UK armed forces helicopter pilots including integrated air and land training in support of multiple Battle Groups; Manned Airborne Surveillance in a unique environment developing pilots for forward deployment; and environmental training in an austere operating environment for all aspects of aviation operations.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress his Department has made on replacing the welfare service at BATUS Canada; and if he will consider the potential to deliver this service through a partnership with SSAFA Forces Help.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c21W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Welfare services in British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) are currently provided by the Unit Welfare Officer, Women’s Royal Voluntary Service and the Canadian base padre. Each battle group training at BATUS will also have its own support staff.
While discussions were held with SSAFA in April this year, no decisions have been made on the replacement of the welfare service.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to enable the armed forces of (a) Commonwealth countries, (b) European countries and (c) other UK allies to use the training ground facility at BATUS Canada.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c21W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
A number of allied nations already train at British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) either separately or alongside the UK. On an annual basis, a Canadian Light Armoured Vehicle Company trains at BATUS alongside British Army units which results in a British and Canadian army unit gaining valuable interoperability training. Exchange officers from a variety of other nations, including NATO, EU and other allies also participate in UK training at BATUS.
In addition the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand all have the opportunity to participate in training at BATUS.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what period is covered by the environmental agreement between the Army and the Canadian authorities at BATUS Canada; and whether the terms of that agreement can be changed.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c21W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Environmental issues are covered in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Canadian Department of National Defence and the UK’s Ministry of Defence. The MOU is open-ended and may be renegotiated at any time with the mutual consent of both parties.
John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people were contracted as consultants to his Department and its agencies in each of the last five years; and what the highest level of remuneration paid to any such person in each of those years was.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c21W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 5 November 2012
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) specifies its required output to be achieved at a particular price on consultancy contracts, as defined by the Cabinet Office. The MOD does not specify the number of people to be employed nor their individual remuneration. These are matters for the contractor.
Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance his Department is providing the family of Sergeant Danny Nightingale.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c22W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 19 November 2012
Welfare provision is being made to the family of Sergeant Daniel Nightingale by the Army. This is being delivered through a combined effort by in-service unit welfare officers, the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Families Association, and the welfare team at the Military Corrective Training Centre, Colchester.
Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the 2012-13 defence budget; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c22W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
The 2012-13 budget was fixed as part of spending review 2010, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. The total in near cash terms is £34.4 billion.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which projects being delivered for his Department by (a) Babcock, (b) Boeing, (c) Cobham, (d) the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, (e) Finmeccanica, (f) General Dynamics, (g) Kelloggs-Brown-Root, (h) Lockheed Martin (i) Marshall Aerospace, (j) Northrup Grumman, (k) Rolls-Royce, (l) Thales and (m) Ultra Electronics are running over budget; and by how much in each case.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c22W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 13 November 2012
The information will take time to collate and the commercial sensitivity of the data could prevent full disclosure. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to provide further information.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are employed by (a) his Department and (b) the armed forces in Scotland.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c22W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
holding answer 9 November 2012
As at 1 July 2012 there were 11,020 regular armed forces personnel, 2,820 reservists and 4,480 civilians employed in Scotland by the Ministry of Defence.
Nick Harvey (North Devon, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the future of CHARM 3 following the expiry of its propellant charge in 2013.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c23W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 22 November 2012
The Charm 3 propellant charge is subject to a Life Extension programme. In 2013, this will provide evidence from analysis and testing about whether the safe life of the charge can be extended or whether to replace stocks.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what mix of weapon systems can be deployed on the pylons of the Typhoon at any one time; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c23W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 22 November 2012
The Typhoon pylons can accommodate any of the following weapon systems:
Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM),
Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM),
1,000 lb Enhanced Paveway II guided bomb
Typhoon’s pylon configuration provides the flexibility for the aircraft to deploy a number of permutations of these weapon systems in dedicated air-to-air or air-to-surface roles; or in a ‘swing’ role allowing the prosecution of both air and ground targets in a single mission. The exact mix of weapons is optimised to reflect operational requirements.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria will be used for the decision on whether or not to reduce the strength of the 16th Tank Transporter Squadron in Germany.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c23W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Under the strategic defence and security review it was announced that the Army would withdraw from Germany by 2020 and reduce its heavy armour by around 40% and heavy artillery by around 35%. This will lead to a reduced requirement for the capability provided by heavy equipment transporters and 16 Tank Transporter Squadron will be withdrawn from the order of battle.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any part of the exercise Austere Challenge 2012 took place in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; and whether permission was received for the exercise to take place.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c24W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Austere Challenge 2012 was a joint US-Israeli anti-ballistic missile exercise. The UK was not involved in the exercise and, as such, the Ministry of Defence has no knowledge of whether areas of the Occupied Palestinian Territories were involved or whether permission was applied for or received.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many security incidents involving the armed forces occurred during the London 2012 Olympic Games sailing events at Weymouth.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c26W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
There were no security related incidents that involved the armed forces during the London 2012 Olympic Games at Weymouth.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence over what period the army conducted training exercises in Poland; and for what reasons Poland is no longer used for army training exercises.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c26W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The Army conducted training exercises in Poland during the period 1993 to 2007 and we remain grateful to Poland for hosting our training in their country.
The Army currently focuses its training in those locations that best meet the needs of preparing for operations in Afghanistan.
Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on newspapers, periodicals and trade publications in the last 12 months.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c27W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence accesses a pan-Government framework contract for the purchase of print and electronic journals on subscription. The contract is primarily used to purchase academic, technical, medical and trade publications for the MOD colleges, training centres, technical information centres and medical units, including those in operational theatres. A small number of recreational titles are taken for use in Personnel Recovery Centres. Expenditure under this contract for FY 2011-12 was £617,520.
Unit newspaper requirements tend to be fluid and subject to short-notice amendment. They are not therefore suitable for fixed-term subscription. MOD units may make their own supply arrangements with local distributors. Information on such arrangements is not held centrally and because the MOD employs around a quarter of a million personnel across several thousand units at multiple locations in the UK and worldwide could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future of RAF Prestwick.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c27W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
An announcement on the future of RAF Prestwick will be made in due course.
Paul Flynn (Newport West, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 11 June 2012, Official Report, column 115W, to the hon. Member for Houghton and Sunderland South, for what reasons his Department has not published an annual report to Parliament on the Trident Renewal Programme; and when he expects to publish the report.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c28W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence is committed to updating Parliament annually on progress with the United Kingdom’s future nuclear deterrent. We intend to publish the next update shortly.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the potential financial benefits of purchasing tyres for use at overseas training grounds locally.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c28W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
No assessment has been made of purchasing tyres locally for use at overseas training grounds. Military units training overseas are supplied routinely through the Ministry of Defence supply chain system, which ensures that the correct items are supplied, to the right standard and economies of scale, across the range of vehicle variants.
David Anderson (Blaydon, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department is taking to offer assistance to families affected by drone strikes; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c28W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Currently the UK operates armed remotely piloted air systems only in Afghanistan. The protection of the Afghan civilian population is at the core of our military strategy in Afghanistan. International Security Assistance Force and UK forces have strict operating procedures to minimise the risk of civilian casualties occurring and to investigate any incidents that do happen.
There is a system in place for handling claims for compensation brought against the Ministry of Defence by Afghan civilians and we have an area claims officer located in Lashkar Gah. This claims officer travels throughout Helmand province and makes visits further afield to ensure that all claims receive attention.
We ensure that Afghan locals are aware of the claims scheme available to them through announcements on local radio and leaflets distributed by the military stabilisation support teams, who collate the details of claims that can not reach the area claims officer. Provincial and district governors are also aware of, and support, the compensation process.
Tom Watson (West Bromwich East, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has provided armed and unarmed drone assistance outside (a) Afghanistan and (b) Libya in the last three years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c29W)
David Anderson (Blaydon, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) what recent assessment he has made of his Department’s use of (a) armed and (b) unarmed remotely piloted air systems outside Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether UK pilots are permitted to carry out armed drone strikes other than as part of ongoing military operations in Afghanistan.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c29W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Her Majesty’s Government do not use armed remotely piloted air systems against terrorist suspects outside Afghanistan. However, UK personnel flew armed remotely piloted air systems missions against Gaddafi’s forces in Libya in 2011, in support of the NATO humanitarian mission authorised under UN Security Council Resolution 1973.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 2 November 2012, Official Report, column 428W, on unmanned aerial vehicles, whether he has any plans to deploy Scan Eagle on (a) Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers and (b) any other ship in the Royal Navy.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c29W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 22 November 2012
The Scan Eagle Unmanned Air System is not in service with UK armed forces, and the Ministry of Defence currently has no plan to acquire it.
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer by the then Minister of State for the Armed Forces to Question 178 of the inquiry by the Defence Committee into Future Maritime Surveillance, Session 2012-13, HC 110, and Session 2010-12, HC 1918-i, what the evidential basis was for his statement that it would be possible to fly unmanned aerial vehicles from the new aircraft carriers for surveillance purposes.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c29W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Unmanned air vehicles (UAV) have been operating in several navies since 2005. As UAVs are generally lighter than manned aircraft it is likely that they could be launched from our new carriers during their planned 50-year life. UAVs have varying sizes, endurance and capabilities, and are constantly evolving. Although not all would be suitable for carrier operations, the UK has previously conducted trials with a Scan Eagle UAV flown from a frigate and is currently considering another such concept demonstration.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what external contracts the British Defence Staff have in the US; and what the monetary value is of each contract.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c30W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
There are two procurement routes available to the British Defence Staff (BDS) based in the United States; Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS)
FMS is the process for foreign governments and international organisations to purchase military articles and services from the US Government. The number of extant FMS cases is as follows:
$ billion/number
Extant cases value ($ billion) 6.4
Number of open cases as at October 2012 436
DCS is a US-based United Kingdom Defence Procurement Office (UKDPO) commercial acquisition service encompassing the full range of activities normally undertaken by UK commercial staff, but offering additional services in respect of payment, law of contract, licensing and shipping.
The detail of individual DCS contracting is not held centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Philip Hollobone (Kettering, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of (a) frigates and (b) destroyers in the fleet by 2020.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c30W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review stipulated that the Royal Navy will operate a fleet of 19 destroyers and frigates in 2020, comprising six Type 45 destroyers and 13 Type 26 frigates.
Henry Smith (Crawley, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the main gate decision on the successor to the Vanguard class submarines will be made in 2016.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 27 November 2012, c160W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
As I reaffirmed in the House on 18 June 2012, Hansard, columns 611-17, the Main Gate decision for the successor to the Vanguard Class Submarines will be taken in 2016.
David Nuttall (Bury North, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received on the Government’s proposals to disband the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 27 November 2012, c161W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The recent Back Bench Business Committee debate provided hon. Members with the opportunity to voice their opinions on this issue and some continue to do so. While such debate is understandable and is, no doubt, prompted by the best of intentions, it only serves to increase the uncertainty for serving members of the Regiment.
We are implementing Army 2020 as announced in July and, while the loss of any battalion is regretted, I am assured that the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers accept the Army Board decision on this matter and are now working towards a successful merger of the two battalions.
Robert Halfon (Harlow, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the number of apprentices employed by (a) his Department and the public bodies for which it is responsible, (b) the armed forces and (c) the main suppliers of each.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 27 November 2012, c161W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence delivers some 10,000 apprenticeships per year. This figure includes approximately 400 civilian personnel. Although armed forces personnel complete apprenticeships as part of their military training, they are not employed as apprentices.
The Ministry of Defence is the leading Government Department in delivering apprenticeships. We recognise the important contribution apprentices make to the Department and to the skills base of the nation.
Gregg McClymont (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his ministerial colleagues on the potential effect on UK defence policy of Scottish independence.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 27 November 2012, c162W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend Mr Hammond, has regular discussions with ministerial colleagues on defence matters relating to Scotland. The UK Government’s position is clear: Scotland benefits from being part of the UK and the UK benefits from having Scotland within the UK. We are confident that the people of Scotland will choose to remain part of the UK and we are not planning for any other outcome. It is for those advocating independence to explain the nature and implications of an independent Scotland; it is the policy of the UK Government to maintain the integrity of the UK.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 30 October 2012, Official Report, columns 165-66W, on Libya, what the total cost of transporting, equipping and running the ground support for the British forward base in Gioia del Colle was; and how many British sorties were completed from that base.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 27 November 2012, c164W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
holding answer 5 November 2012
The cost of transporting, equipping and running the ground support for the British forward base in Gioia del Colle was some £2.7 million. This excludes an element of air transport costs, that totalled some £5.6 million, but the details of which could be provided only at disproportionate cost. These costs do not include normal funded flying hours.
At its peak, there were 22 aircraft based at Gioia del Colle, from which some 2,050 operational sorties were undertaken by British aircraft.
Paul Flynn (Newport West, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many representatives of the (a) French, (b) Russian and (c) Chinese governments visited the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Berkshire, in (i) 2010 and (ii) 2011.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c349W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
There were no visits to the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) by Russian or Chinese government representatives in 2010 or 2011.
Two individuals from the French Ministry of Defence visited in 2010. There is one French individual currently on secondment at AWE from the ‘Commissariat à l’énergie atomique’ (CEA), which is a French Government-funded technological research organisation.
There are also numerous visits each year by appropriately security-cleared French nationals, who are predominantly CEA employees or contractors. The number of these visits is not routinely collated.
Paul Flynn (Newport West, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements have been made with the French Government on French experimental involvement in the Orion laser facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c349W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
No arrangements have been made with the French Government on French experimental involvement in the Orion laser facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 3 September 2012, Official Report, column 44W, on AWE: research, which universities undertake research commissioned by the AWE which is security classified.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c350W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
None of the Atomic Weapons Establishment commissioned research work undertaken by universities is security classified.
Nick Harvey (North Devon, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent steps he has taken to assess and upgrade lightning protection standards at the Atomic Weapons Establishment.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c350W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Lightning standards at the Atomic Weapons Establishment are regularly assessed to ensure they are compliant with the appropriate protection requirements and are routinely tested to ensure correct operation.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) on how many occasions BAE Systems has written to his Department to notify it of a (a) key industrial capability trigger event and (b) key industrial capability notice under the terms of the 2009 Terms of Business Agreement since 24 May 2012;
(2) if he will estimate the (a) number of payments and (b) cost to the public purse of key industrial capability notices issued to BAE Systems under the terms of the 2009 Terms of Business Agreement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c350W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
BAE Systems Maritime—Naval Ships (BAES MNS) has not notified the Ministry of Defence (MOD) of any new key industrial capability trigger (KIC) event since 24 May 2012. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my predecessor, my hon. Friend Peter Luff on 24 May 2012, Hansard, column 828W, in which he reported that there was one occasion when BAES MNS has served the MOD with a KIC trigger event notice. This event related to a shortfall in ship support work load.
The payment notice resulting from this KIC trigger event remains the subject of ongoing discussions between the company and the MOD. No payment has been made in respect of this notice.
Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when HMS Defender will be declared operational.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c351W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
On current plans, HMS Defender is expected to enter service in mid-2013, after which further trials, training and equipment preparations will be required prior to operational deployment.
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the relative cost and benefits of having a maritime surveillance capability which consists of embarked aircraft compared with land-based aircraft.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c351W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
To inform our future capabilities the Ministry of Defence has begun an investigation into airborne intelligence, surveillance, targeting, acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities. This investigation will be complete before the strategic defence and security review in 2015.
Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effects of the cancellation of Nimrod on the UK’s ability to conduct military tasks; and what progress his Department has made on addressing those consequences.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c352W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Following the removal of Nimrod MR2 from service in March 2010 and the cancellation of the MRA4 programme, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has conducted a number of studies into the resulting capability implications, but no decision has been made on whether a long-term manned or unmanned replacement for the Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) is required.
Since the previous Government withdrew the MPA a range of complementary assets have been used to mitigate the capability gap including T23 Frigates, Merlin helicopters, attack submarines, and Hercules C130 and E-3 Sentry aircraft, and to seek assistance, where appropriate, from allies and partners.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2012 to the hon. Member for Islington North, Official Report, column 412W, what the titles are of all projects currently underway at the Atomic Weapons Establishment to inform the decision on whether to refurbish or replace the existing UK Trident warhead.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c353W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Nuclear Weapons Capability Sustainment Programme has been under way since 2005. It is a programme at the Atomic Weapons Establishment to maintain and where necessary to develop science and technology capability to develop infrastructure facilities, and staff capabilities to ensure that the UK has the ability to underpin any decision on a future UK nuclear warhead.
Paul Flynn (Newport West, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff are employed on the Trident replacement design programme at (a) BAE Systems, (b) Babcock Marine, (c) Rolls-Royce and (d) elsewhere.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c353W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 19 November 2012, Hansard, column 239W, in which I stated that there are approximately 1,100 BAE Systems and 100 Babcock Marine personnel employed on the Successor submarine programme. Work on the Successor programme is also sustaining around 600 jobs at Rolls-Royce.
Information on personnel employed elsewhere is not held in the format requested and I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 19 November 2012, Hansard, column 235W, in which I stated that there are approximately 130 Ministry of Defence personnel employed solely on the Successor submarine programme.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the life expectancy is of rocket motors for the Trident D5 missile; and what studies have been conducted into the implications of ageing of the motors.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c353W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The life expectancy of a Trident D5 rocket motor is 30 years. The US continues to study the life expectancy of the Trident D5 missiles and the UK is kept informed on the progress of this work.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the last seven-year design review of the Trident Re-entry System took place; and when the next such review will take place.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c353W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The last seven-year design review of the Trident Re-entry System was conducted in 2006 and reported in 2007.
The next review is currently planned to be in 2013 and to report in 2014.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of adjustments to the D5 Missile extension programme consequent on the proposed reduction in the number of missiles.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c354W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
No adjustments to the D5 Missile extension programme are required as a consequence of the reduction in the number of operational missiles that are carried onboard the Vanguard Class submarines as announced in the 2010 strategic defence and security review. There is, therefore, no change in the cost to the public purse.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 23 October 2012, Official Report, column 812W, on unmanned air vehicles, when a decision about the Royal Navy ISTAR UOR will be made; and what the expected in-service date is.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c354W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Urgent Operational Requirement to provide Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capability for the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships is expected to reach its main investment decision point in the first quarter of 2013. The in-service date will be confirmed at that point.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department plans to arm Watchkeeper WK450; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c354W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 27 November 2012
The Ministry of Defence currently has no plans to arm the Watchkeeper unmanned air system (UAS) or the Hermes 450 UAS which is supporting operations in Afghanistan as an Urgent Operational Requirement.
Paul Flynn (Newport West, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) how many experiments the Atomic Weapons Establishment has participated in using the Z Pulsed Power Facility at Sandia National Laboratories in each year since 2007;
(2) what the (a) names and (b) dates were of subcritical nuclear weapon tests at the Nevada Test Site which the UK participated in since 1991;
(3) in how many experiments the Atomic Weapons Establishment has participated using the dual axis radiographic hydro-test facility at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in each year since that facility opened;
(4) in how many experiments the Atomic Weapons Establishment has participated using the National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in each year since the facility opened.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c354W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Officials from the Ministry of Defence and personnel from the Atomic Weapons Establishment work closely with their US counterparts on a range of nuclear matters under the auspices of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement. This includes participation in experiments at the Nevada Test Site, and at the Los Alamos, Sandia and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories.
I am withholding further details of this work in the interests of safeguarding national security.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the wet assembly for the Apache helicopter; what estimate he has made of the associated costs; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 29 November 2012, c457W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 28 November 2012
The current Apache AH Mk1 aircraft are based on the US Army Apache AH64D. In common with those aircraft, the Apache AH MK1 airframes were dry-built. There is currently no engineering solution available, and therefore no cost information, for undertaking a retro-wet assembly of the in-service aircraft airframes. They have, however, been treated with a two stage protection process to reduce the effects of corrosion and maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft in the maritime operating environment.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the number of operational Apache helicopters; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 29 November 2012, c457W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 28 November 2012
The Army Air Corps operates a fleet of 66 Apache helicopters, which meets the current operational requirement for Attack Helicopters.
Apache, which is currently supporting operations in Afghanistan, has been in service with the Army since 2001 and is due to undergo a capability sustainment programme in the near future. This upgrade will ensure the capability remains in service out to 2040. The number of aircraft to be upgraded as part of this programme will be based on an assessment of the future operational requirement and will be decided at the main investment decision point, which is currently planned for 2014.
One aircraft was recently removed from the fleet having been assessed as beyond repair as a result of damage sustained following a heavy landing on operations in 2008. The damage was not caused as a result of enemy action and neither pilot was injured in the incident.
Alan Campbell (Tynemouth, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department approved the Panther chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protection suit produced by Remploy.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 29 November 2012, c457W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Panther CBRN protective suit produced by Remploy is neither in service with nor approved for use by UK armed forces.
DSTL has undertaken some test and evaluation work on the Panther suit on a commercial basis for Remploy. However, while the result of such work is sometimes published by companies as part of their advertising literature, this does not constitute DSTL or any Government endorsement of the product nor does it imply that the equipment has been approved for use by UK armed forces.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 3 September 2012, Official Report, column 44W, on AWE: research, from which UK universities academics have participated in exchange visits to US establishments under the terms of the 1958 US-UK Mutual Defense Agreement in the last three years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 29 November 2012, c458W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Academic staff from Oxford university have taken part in exchange visits to US establishments under the terms of the 1958 Mutual Defense Agreement in the last three years.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the operational use of the Voyager transport aircraft in (a) troop carrier and (b) refuelling modes.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 29 November 2012, c459W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 27 November 2012
Voyager will be employed in both the air-to-air refuelling and passenger transport roles. It will be covered by the Ministry of Defence’s overarching policy for the operational employment of all air transport and air-to-air refuelling aircraft, rather than a policy specific to Voyager. The details of how and when Voyager will be used will be decided by Air Command as the operational need dictates.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on Block 1, 2 and 3 Spear Capability; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 29 November 2012, c459W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 27 November 2012
The Selective Precision Effects At Range (SPEAR) capability is focused on the enduring requirement to engage mobile and fixed targets in hostile and complex environments. The strategy for delivering this requirement is through a range of weapon solutions which address the diverse target set. SPEAR Capability 1, 2 and 3 are separate projects within this strategy and are at different phases of the procurement cycle:
SPEAR Cap 1—Paveway IV (In-Service)
SPEAR Cap 2—DMS Brimstone (Demonstration and Manufacture)
SPEAR Cap 3—Air to Ground capability for Joint Strike Fighter (Assessment)
Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the principal terms are of the agreement he signed with the President of Indonesia on 1 November 2012; and if he will place a copy of that agreement in the Library.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 29 November 2012, c459W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
holding answer 29 November 2012
The Defence memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the UK and Indonesia on 1 November 2012 brings together the core aspects of the UK-Indonesia Defence relationship and re-affirms our commitment to strengthening it, in line with the wider Government focus on the Asia Pacific region.
The MOU provides, without commitment, a framework for enhancing co-operative activities in the field of defence and military relations between the participants in areas of mutual interest, based on the principles of respect, trust and mutual benefit. The MOU will not be published, since to do so would prejudice the UK’s relationship with Indonesia.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of possible multi-national collaborative military projects.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 29 November 2012, c460W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
As we made clear in the strategic defence and security review (SDSR), and the National Security Through Technology White Paper, our preference when working with other countries on defence procurement is to do so on a bilateral basis. However, we will continue to work multilaterally, such as through NATO or the EU, where this offers clear benefit to the UK.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure that partner companies in future collaborative defence projects are chosen by a lead prime contractor as in the Joint Strike Fighter project.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 29 November 2012, c460W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The industrial arrangements for the Joint Strike Fighter are an example of good practice in collaborative defence projects. That said, the industrial arrangements that underpin production in future projects will be determined on a case by case basis by the participating nations.
The Ministry of Defence will require future collaborative defence projects to provide value for money through shared investment and economies of scale in production. And, wherever possible, our preference is to have a lead prime contractor selected on the basis of open competition throughout the supply chain.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) which NATO member states have sent maritime patrol aircraft to (a) RAF Lossiemouth and (b) RAF Leuchars since March 2010; which aircraft were sent; and what the purpose was of their visit;
(2) on how many occasions (a) Royal Canadian Air Force P-140 Aurora aircraft and (b) United States Navy P-3 Orion aircraft have flown patrolling sorties in the North Atlantic from RAF bases in Scotland in the last two years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 29 November 2012, c460W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The US, Canada, France and Norway have sent maritime patrol aircraft to RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Leuchars since March 2010, either as part of joint exercises or on trials deployment. The aircraft sent include P3 Orion, CP140 Aurora, Atlantique 11 and P-8A Poseidon.
The number of sorties is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Ministry of Defence police inquiries into the abandoned search and rescue helicopter contract have been completed; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 29 November 2012, c461W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence police investigation into the search and rescue helicopter contract is currently at an advanced stage. It would, therefore be inappropriate to disclose any information at this time.
I will write to the right hon. Member when the investigation is completed, with the information requested.
Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the Watchkeeper and Reaper planes to begin active service in the RAF.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 29 November 2012, c461W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The date when Watchkeeper, which is in the final stages of flight trials, will enter service with the Army has yet to be determined. The Ministry of Defence remains committed to deploying it to Afghanistan at the earliest opportunity. Reaper entered service with the RAF in 2007.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made with the Rotary Wing Unmanned Air Programme; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 29 November 2012, c461W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 28 November 2012
The rotary wing unmanned air system capability concept demonstrator is a two-year research project to explore how a Rotary Wing unmanned air system might be used to fill a range of maritime roles. An advertisement was placed in the Defence Contracts Bulletin in July 2012, and Expressions of Interest were received from a number of companies. The competitive process is ongoing.
Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many ships he estimates will be equipped with maritime imagery manipulation and storage; and at what cost.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 29 November 2012, c461W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
In relation to vessels currently under construction or planned, decisions have yet to be taken as to the systems to be used for analysis of this kind of data
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of (a) male and (b) female UK military personnel reporting (i) rapes and (ii) sexual assaults in Afghanistan in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c551W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
There have been no reported rapes of UK military personnel in Afghanistan. A total of 16 UK military personnel reported sexual assaults in Afghanistan since 2002. Two of those personnel were male and 14 were female.
Since Op Herrick began in 2006, around 123,000 personnel have served in Afghanistan.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 26 October 2012, Official Report, column 1074W, on armed forces: sexual offences, how many sex offenders are serving with the armed forces overseas by category of offender; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c553W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
As at 12 November 2012, there were three service personnel registered as sex offenders who are serving overseas. All three are Category 1 (Level 1 offenders, the least serious level).
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 8 November 2012, Official Report, column 704W, on armed forces: sexual offences, in which year the convictions were recorded; in which country the individuals are currently serving; and whether risk assessments were carried out prior to the convicted individuals returning to duty in respect of contact with (a) the public, (b) male and (c) female members of the armed forces; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c553W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The details we can release in relation to these cases are restricted by our obligations under the Data Protection Act, I can confirm that the individuals referred to are currently serving in the UK. I can also confirm that their convictions were recorded in 2006 and 2009 respectively.
Primary responsibility for the management of these offenders rests with the civilian police, in accordance with Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA), which are designed to reduce the risk of re-offending in order to protect the public. This includes ensuring that a risk management plan is developed. As part of these arrangements, a civilian police offender manager will visit the offenders at least once every 12 months and the offenders will also be monitored during routine MAPPA meetings.
I can also confirm that where an individual is retained in the armed forces, an additional risk assessment is undertaken by their chain of command at the point of their retention; a process which is repeated whenever the individual is posted, or there are significant changes in their place of residence or employment. The chain of command will also consider the severity of the offence when deciding to retain an individual or not.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed forces personnel are serving sentences in military prisons following convictions for (a) sexual assault and (b) rape; what the average length of such sentences is in each category; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c555W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence does not have any military prisons. However, there is a Military Corrective Training Centre, in Colchester, which is a tri-service detention facility for armed forces personnel and, occasionally, civilians who are subject to service law.
There are currently three armed forces personnel in detention at the Military Corrective Training Centre following a conviction for sexual assault. There is also one member of the armed forces who is detained at Colchester, while awaiting sentencing, having been found guilty of rape.
Those found guilty of a sexual offence are normally discharged on completion of their sentences, and only retained in service in exceptional circumstances.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many victim liaison officers are deployed in each service; where such victim liaison officers are deployed; how long on average such victim liaison officers serve; what training they receive; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c557W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Service victim liaison officers (VLOs) are not a permanent feature in any of the three services. They are appointed by commanding officers as and when the need arises for the period such cover is required. The lowest rank that can carry out the function is petty officer in the Royal Navy or sergeant in the Army and Royal Air Force.
There is no formal requirement for training in this role. Experience preferably in welfare, good oral communication skills and sensitivity are the qualities sought in the individuals selected. Each VLO is appointed on a case by case basis so there is no average length of service that any individual spends in the role.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what meetings Ministers in his Department have had with representatives or family members of Sergeant Danny Nightingale.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c557W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
We are not aware of any requests to meet with representatives or family members of Sergeant Danny Nightingale. Both the Secretary of State for Defence and I retain an interest in this matter. However, while the case has been sub judice no such meetings have taken place.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps Ministers in his Department took regarding the timing of the appeal hearing of Sergeant Danny Nightingale.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c557W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The timing of the bringing of an appeal was a matter for Sgt Nightingale, as the appellant. This had to be brought within the standard time limits for any appeal to be lodged after a conviction.
It was then for the Court Martial Appeal Court to set dates for the appeals, and it set a hearing for 29 November 2012 soon after the appeal was lodged.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the budget is for the (a) Defence Business Services and (b) Defence Infrastructure Organisation in each of the next five years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c558W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence does not publish details of future budgets for individual parts of the Department. These are adjusted by the Defence Board both in-year, and in each annual budgeting cycle, to ensure that resources remain aligned with outputs.
As announced in the spring, we expect to make savings of around £71 million in the running costs of the services provided by Defence Business Services as a result of the four-year contract awarded to Serco to transform corporate services.
Work is proceeding to determine the future operating model and most appropriate corporate structure for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation to deliver the support our armed forces need at the best value for money while delivering savings in operating costs.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what system of DNA matching his Department uses in seeking to identify human remains prior to burial.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c558W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 27 November 2012
The Ministry of Defence uses external contractors to conduct DNA matching and they use mitochondrial sequencing and Single Tandem Repeats on the Y-chromosome.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on the identification of the human remains found at Beauchamps-Ligny in France in November 2009.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c559W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 27 November 2012
Since May 2010, the Ministry of Defence has received 34 representations from Members of Parliament, members of the public and one request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 about the identification of the human remains found at Beauchamps-Ligny in France in November 2009.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what efforts his Department has made to identify the human remains found at Beauchamps-Ligny in France in November 2009.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c559W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 27 November 2012
The remains of the soldiers found at Beauchamps-Ligny in Northern France are with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) in France, and Ministry of Defence officials in the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre are working with the CWGC and Regimental Associations to identify them.
Identification is currently focusing on documentary and forensic analysis, but DNA testing will be used if the remains recovered can be linked to suitable candidates from whom DNA can be obtained.
Bob Russell (Colchester, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration was given to the loss of immunity from salvage of HMS Victory prior to the ship’s gifting to the Maritime Heritage Foundation; what assessment was made of the Maritime Heritage Foundation’s ability to fund the legal proceedings to protect the wreck site against unauthorised disturbance; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c559W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The decision to transfer responsibility for the management of the wreck of HMS Victory that sank in 1744 to a charitable trust was reached following an extensive consultative exercise during which a number of issues were considered including the implications for sovereign immunity of a transfer of ownership, how risks to the site might best be managed and also the practical options for funding to take work forward on the site.
Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) what change there will be in the number of military or civilian personnel employed across the Royal Navy due to the transfer of hunter-killer submarines from HM Naval Base Devonport to HM Naval Base Clyde;
(2) what change there will be in the number of military and civilian personnel employed at HM Naval Base Devonport due to the transfer of hunter-killer submarines to HM Naval Base Clyde;
(3) how many of the jobs which will be moved to Faslane with the transfer of Astute and Trafalgar class submarines are for (a) service personnel and (b) civilian staff.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c560W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The number of jobs at Her Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde is forecast to increase from around 6,700 now to around 8,200 by 2022.
This change is primarily due to an increase of around 1,500 in the number of Royal Navy jobs at the site, of which around 630 will transfer from HMNB Devonport due to the move of the base-port for the Trafalgar Class submarines to HMNB Clyde. There are no plans to transfer any Ministry of Defence (MOD) civilian jobs from HMNB Devonport.
It is not possible to determine the impact on civilian jobs at HMNB Devonport caused solely by the move of the base-port for the Trafalgar Class submarines. It is anticipated, however, that it will not lead to any significant changes in either HMNB Devonport civilian numbers, or in the total number of civilians employed by the MOD. It is also anticipated that it will not lead to an increase in the overall size of the Royal Navy.
The decision to base-port the entire Astute Class at HMNB Clyde was taken before any of the submarines in the class entered service. As a result, no transfers of jobs from HMNB Devonport are planned.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Royal Navy takes to protect offshore wind turbines; and what (a) ships and (b) personnel are used to provide such security.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c560W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Royal Navy has not been tasked to provide protection to offshore wind turbines and no assets have been allocated.
Any security or protection arrangements would ultimately be the primarily of the developer.
Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many employees in his Department are paid in excess of (a) £80,000 and (b) £100,000.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c560W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 20 November 2012
All of those who are employed by the Ministry of Defence need to be paid at a level which, on the one hand, reflects the requirement for financial restraint and value for money and, on the other hand, allows us to attract and retain high calibre individuals to undertake challenging roles.
There are some 1,410 employees, of which 1,340 are military, in the Ministry of Defence who are paid between £80,000 and £100,000 and some 958, of which 930 are military, who are paid in excess of £100,000. These figures include both military and civilian personnel and represent less than 1% of the workforce.
Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many appointments made to the boards of public bodies overseen by his Department have been (a) male and (b) female since May 2010.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c561W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Since May 2010, the following appointments have been made to the boards of Ministry of Defence’s Trading Fund agencies and non-departmental public bodies:
96 male new appointments plus 168 male reappointments; and
22 female new appointments plus 44 female reappointments.
Nick Harvey (North Devon, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) whether it is his policy that replacement vehicles for the current high security vehicles will display radioactive material hazard signs when transporting special nuclear materials;
(2) what the reasons are for the time taken to withdraw high security vehicles from service; and what arrangements his Department has made to ensure the safety of the vehicles during their extended period of service;
(3) when the high security vehicles used for the transport of special nuclear materials will be withdrawn from service.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c561W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
In accordance with current Ministry of Defence policy it is not intended to display radioactive material hazard signs on the truck cargo heavy duty Mk3 when transporting special nuclear materials. Adequate safety arrangements, as required by legislation, are in place to ensure the necessary information is available to emergency services.
The process of withdrawal of the high security vehicles (HSVs) has been delayed as work to complete the rigorous set of safety studies, procedural trials and approvals has been re-prioritised. This is to enable higher priority work within part of the wider nuclear weapons programme to be completed. This type of adjustment is routinely made on a wide-ranging programme such as this. The current HSVs are maintained to a high standard and are subject to an independent Vehicle and Operator Services Agency MOT.
On current plans, the HSVs will be withdrawn from service in late 2013.
Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Chief Secretary of the Treasury has been issued with a pass for the Ministry of Defence main building; and on what date that pass was issued.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c562W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 27 November 2012
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, has not been issued with a permanent pass to the Ministry of Defence Main Building.
He has had visitor or VIP passes prepared for him on six occasions. The dates were 26 May 2010, 18 January 2011, 27 April 2011, 25 May 2011, 22 June 2011 and 23 February 2012.
Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many times he and other Ministers in his Department have met representatives of (a) Unite, (b) PCS, (c) Prospect, (d) GMB, (e) UCATT, (f) FDA, (g) RMT, (h) NUMAST and (i) BMA since May 2010; and on what dates those meetings took place.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c567W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 30 October 2012
The Ministry of Defence takes its responsibilities as an employer very seriously. Ministers and senior officials regularly meet the Department’s recognised trade unions.
However, comprehensive details of all meetings between Defence Ministers and trade union representatives are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his timetable is for the (a) decision on, (b) legislative proposals for and (c) contract award relating to any change in status of Defence Equipment and Support; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 3 December 2012, c612W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The final decision on any change of status and contract award will be determined following consideration of a business case by the Investment Approvals Committee and Ministers. We are currently considering what, if any, legislative requirements may arise from proposals for reforming Defence Equipment and Support.
Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the result is of his Department’s value-for-money assessment of the possible establishment of Defence Equipment and Support as a government-owned, contract-operated entity; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 3 December 2012, c613W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The value for money analysis is in the final stages of completion. A decision will be made in due course.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 23 October 2012, Official Report, column 809W, on Libya: military intervention, if he will place in the Library the aircraft condition survey conducted on the Apache helicopters which flew from HMS Ocean during Operation Ellamy; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 3 December 2012, c613W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 30 October 2012
A review of the information requested is being conducted with regard to its suitability for release. I will write to my hon. Friend concerning the information requested once the assessment is complete.
Substantive answer from Philip Dunne to Tobias Ellwood:
Further to my response of 31 October 2012 (Official Report, column 293W) I am writing to inform you that I have received copies of the Aircraft Condition Survey reports on Apache aircraft ZJ207, ZJ188, ZJ179 ZJ218 and XJ233.
These reports, which relate to the Apache helicopters which flew from HMS Ocean during Operation Ellamy, contain details which may reveal effectiveness of operational equipment used by our Armed Forces and therefore I have decided not to release. The reports identify higher than normal levels of corrosion due to the maritime environment the aircraft had been flown in, but in all cases were within normal tolerance levels and the aircraft remained fully airworthy.
A copy of this letter will be placed in the Library of the House.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what air-to-ground weapon systems will be used by the Royal Navy’s version of the AW159 Lynx Wildcat.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 3 December 2012, c613W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 29 November 2012
The Royal Navy variant of the Lynx Wildcat helicopter will be equipped with the General Purpose Machine Gun 7.62 mm, Heavy Machine Gun 12.7 mm and the Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon as air-to-surface weapons. It will also be equipped with the Sting Ray Torpedo and Mk 11 depth charge for use in an anti-submarine role.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure that collaborative defence projects in which the UK participates work on competitiveness principles without discrimination as to the countries involved.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 3 December 2012, c614W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The National Security Through Technology White Paper (CM 8277), published in February 2012, stated that when the UK participates in a multinational programme our preference for doing so will be on a bilateral basis, as this offers the best balance of advantages and disadvantages. In these cases, we will adopt a “best athlete” approach, to ensure principles of competitiveness are pursued.
Wherever possible, we will also ensure that the principles of open competition are followed in multinational programmes in which the UK participates.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure that future collaborative defence projects are, wherever possible, bilateral collaborations to ensure efficiencies.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 3 December 2012, c614W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
As stated in the National Security Through Technology White Paper (CM 8277), our preference is to work on a bilateral basis, particularly with the US and France, to develop technology, equipment, and support arrangements that meet our mutual defence and security needs.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on extending collaborative defence projects to include collaboration on (a) mid-life up-dates of the equipment produced through the project, (b) repairs and maintenance of such equipment and (c) training on such equipment; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 3 December 2012, c614W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
In order to improve the management of projects and programmes, and achieve best value for money for the UK, the Ministry of Defence adopts a through-life management approach to acquisition, including when we collaborate with our international partners.
Each programme is assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that they are managed in the most effective and efficient way possible.
Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reviews are taking place in his Department.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 3 December 2012, c615W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 30 November 2012
Following the strategic defence and security review, we are delivering one of the most ambitious transformation programmes ever undertaken, including implementing the defence reform review. Progress is reported annually to Parliament.
Transforming Defence is driving wide-ranging change to the organisation and the way we work at all levels across almost all of Defence. Much of this, in accordance with the spirit of Lord Levene’s recommendations, is being taken forward locally by the relevant delegated authority.
Work in progress includes:
establishing the way forward for Defence equipment and support;
transforming how defence infrastructure will be delivered in future;
reviewing Army basing developing our reserve forces; and
modernising the offer we make to our people, under the new employment model for service personnel, and as part of civil service reform.
Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on export negotiations in respect of the Type 26 Frigate.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 3 December 2012, c615W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Bilateral conversations are ongoing with a number of potential international partners to explore opportunities for co-operation, with respect to the Type 26 Global Combat Ship itself and systems destined to be fitted to it.
It is not appropriate to comment until we are in a position to make a firm announcement
Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his most recent estimate is of the (a) total cost and (b) unit cost of the new Type 26 Global Combat Ships to be purchased by his Department.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 3 December 2012, c615W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 30 November 2012
The Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme is in it’s assessment phase. The total programme and unit costs will be determined at the main investment decision, which is expected in the middle of the decade. Given the status of the project, I am withholding the information on costs as its disclosure would risk prejudicing the Ministry of Defence’s commercial position.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he made of his Department’s Maritime Unmanned Aerial Systems Strategy; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 3 December 2012, c616W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 29 November 2012
The Ministry of Defence is in the process of developing a strategy paper considering maritime Unmanned Air Systems; it is expected that this will be completed in the first quarter of 2013. Elements of the paper are likely to be classified.
Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent steps the Reaper squadron has taken to tackle illegal piracy and fishing in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 3 December 2012, c616W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
UK Reaper Remotely Piloted Air System is certified for use only in support of ground forces in Afghanistan. For further details I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, my hon. Friend Mr Dunne, during the Westminster Hall debate on 6 November 2012, Hansard, column 203WH.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the use of the EMALS electromagnetic launch system on the Queen Elizabeth Class carriers; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 4 December 2012, c700W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
I refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend Mr Hammond, on 10 May 2012, Hansard, columns 140-42, in which he said that there are no plans to fit any aircraft launch and recovery systems such as EMALS to the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.
Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he takes to assess the potential humanitarian and environmental effects of toxic munitions and munitions components prior to use.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 4 December 2012, c700W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Since 1999 all weapons and equipment entering service have been subject to a formal legal weapons review in accordance with article 36 of Additional Protocol 1 to the Geneva conventions.
Such reviews take into account whether proposed new means or methods of warfare are: prohibited or restricted by any specific treaty provision or other applicable rule of international law; may cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering; are capable of being used discriminately; are expected to cause widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment; and are affected by current and possible future trends in the development of international humanitarian law.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with US authorities to encourage their use of BATUS Canada for training.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 4 December 2012, c701W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
UK and US forces recently conducted a successful joint training exercise in British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) in Canada, as part of Exercise Prairie Thunder 3. The training was beneficial to both the UK and US, and discussions are under way about possible future co-operation.
Ben Wallace (Wyre and Preston North, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent progress his Department has made in its implementation of the Review of Acquisition by Bernard Gray.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 4 December 2012, c701W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Materiel Strategy, the programme set up to review defence acquisition, is finalising a business case covering the options to achieve a step change improvement in defence acquisition, support and logistics. The case will be considered internally by the Ministry of Defence and HM Treasury to assess how best to proceed before moving forward to an assessment phase.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on upgrading the Storm Shadow cruise missile; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 4 December 2012, c701W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 3 December 2012
The Storm Shadow missile has already benefitted from recent improvements to its planning system. As part of the planned future mid-life replacement programme, consideration is being given to introduce further enhancements to the Storm Shadow weapon system to maintain its capability in line with current planning requirements. Concept studies are ongoing and a final decision will be made shortly.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has commissioned any reviews into the lessons learnt from Operation Ellamy; and if he will place any such reviews in the Library.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 4 December 2012, c701W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
holding answer 1 November 2012
The usual post-operational lessons processes have been followed in respect of Operation Ellamy. I am withholding the relevant reports as their release would or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces, international relations and the formulation of Government policy.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the (a) type and (b) number of ground-attack weapons fired by Typhoon aircraft during Operation Ellamy.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 4 December 2012, c701W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
holding answer 28 November 2012
Enhanced Paveway II was the only ground attack weapon employed by Typhoon during Operation Ellamy. Typhoon aircraft deployed around 240 Enhanced Paveway II munitions.
Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he takes to assess the potential humanitarian and environmental effects of toxic munitions and munitions components prior to use.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 4 December 2012, c700W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Since 1999 all weapons and equipment entering service have been subject to a formal legal weapons review in accordance with article 36 of Additional Protocol 1 to the Geneva conventions.
Such reviews take into account whether proposed new means or methods of warfare are: prohibited or restricted by any specific treaty provision or other applicable rule of international law; may cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering; are capable of being used discriminately; are expected to cause widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment; and are affected by current and possible future trends in the development of international humanitarian law.
Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether UK unmanned aerial vehicles have been used in Pakistan for surveillance or reconnaissance.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 4 December 2012, c702W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
No.
Bob Russell (Colchester, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the performance of Sodexo in respect of the inspection and maintenance of kitchen equipment in Army garrisons.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 4 December 2012, c702W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 3 December 2012
Under a series of contracts, and as a sub-contractor under the Allenby/Connaught and Colchester Garrison private finance initiatives, Sodexo provides facilities management services to a number of Army sites in the UK. Given the number of contracts and sites involved, no single assessment has been made of the performance of Sodexo in respect of the inspection and maintenance of kitchen equipment.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the use of the Watchkeeper unmanned aerial vehicle by the British Army; whether there are any plans to (a) arm the Watchkeeper and (b) consider it for operations with the Royal Navy; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 4 December 2012, c703W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 29 November 2012
Watchkeeper is a tactical unmanned air system that will provide battlefield commanders with an all-weather intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance capability. There are no plans currently to arm Watchkeeper, and although the Army may use it in support of littoral operations, we have no plans to operate the system from Royal Navy or Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in which countries the UK has a defence attaché.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 13 December 2012, c422W)
Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence has defence attachés and advisers currently in 72 countries—these are:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria Hub (covering Croatia, Hungary, Kosovo, Slovenia, Slovakia and Switzerland), Bahrain, Baltic States (Estonia), Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland (non-resident, accredited from London), Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Macedonia, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal (non-resident, accredited from London), Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia (based in Kenya), South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States of America (with a further attaché to the UK Mission to UN New York), Uzbekistan, Yemen and Zimbabwe.
Between them, the attachés and advisers provide a further 84 countries with defence attaché or adviser services via the process of non-resident accreditation (NRA). The NRA countries are:
Albania, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Austrian hub, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cape Verdi Islands, Cayman Islands, Congo, Cuba, Curacao, Dili, Djibouti, Dominica, East Timor, Eritrea, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea, Guyana, Iceland, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Puerto Rico, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Rwanda, Seychelles, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam and Zambia.
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what amount was spent by his Department on copier paper in each of the last three years; and what assessment he has made of the value for money obtained by his Department when purchasing copier paper.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 13 December 2012, c422W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Since 1 October 2011, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has met its requirements for paper through a Central Government Office Supplies Contract (GOSC) managed by HM Revenue and Customs. Data for years 2009-10 and 2010-11 is no longer held by the MOD. Under the GOSC, from 1 October 2011 to 30 September 2012, the latest period for which data is available, MOD expenditure on paper was £2.78 million, excluding VAT. Use of the GOSC is mandated across all central Government Departments and the expectation is that over time the economies of scale afforded by this centralised arrangement will offer better value for money than previous MOD specific contractual arrangements.
Lord Hylton (Crossbench)
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have plans to take measures to prevent worldwide proliferation of unmanned aircraft, in particular those armed for attacks.
Hansard source (Citation: HL Deb, 14 December 2012, c261W)
Baroness Warsi (Conservative)
The UK is strongly committed to the need for appropriate controls on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including those that are armed. The UK is one of 34 states which make up the missile technology control regime (MTCR) and which work together to prevent the proliferation of unmanned delivery systems capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction (WMD). This includes UAVs. The MTCR rests on adherence to common export policy guidelines (the MTCR guidelines) applied to an agreed list of controlled items. The UK supports MTCR outreach to non-members to work towards wider adherence to the MTCR guidelines.
Tom Watson (West Bromwich East, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department’s policy is on the recording of civilian deaths as a consequence of unmanned aerial vehicle strikes in Afghanistan.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c601W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
We deeply regret all civilian casualties. While we investigate carefully all alleged incidents involving UK forces, the Government does not record total figures for civilian casualties in Afghanistan because of the immense difficulty and risks that would be involved in collecting robust data.
Protecting the Afghan civilian population is a cornerstone of the international security assistance force’s mission, and all British troops undergo comprehensive training on the strict rules of engagement. This contrasts directly with the attitude of the insurgents, who use indiscriminate tactics, including suicide bombs and improvised explosive devices, as well as the deliberate and targeted killing of civilians.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on the (a) concept and (b) assessment phase of the decision to install catapult and arrestor gear to the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c601W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 6 December 2012
Up until the end of May 2012, we had committed up to £44 million on our conversion investigations with both the US Department of Defense and UK Aircraft Carrier Alliance, and £1 million on an air-to-air refuelling study. Work to finalise the run-down costs of our conversion work continues. I am withholding the information as estimates of these costs would prejudice commercial interests.
Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances the taxable nature of the Survivors Guaranteed Income Payment (SGIP) would mean that a recipient of the SGIP would receive a lower overall guaranteed income than a recipient of the Guaranteed Income Payment.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c602W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 6 November 2012
A service person who sustains an injury is compensated, under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, for loss of earnings that would otherwise have been earned through post-service civilian employment. This takes the form of a regular Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) on leaving service. Where a service person dies in service, an eligible surviving adult dependant receives a Survivor’s Guaranteed Income Payment (SGIP) in recognition of the loss of the deceased person’s earnings.
The GIP and SGIP are calculated in a similar way, based on the service person’s age and salary at service termination or date of death. An injured service person may receive 100% of the calculated figure or, depending on the nature of their injuries, the GIP may be paid at 75%, 50% or 30% levels. The SGIP is set at 60% of the full GIP. Thus in identical career circumstances, the SGIP will be lower than the GIP received by more seriously injured personnel, but more than the GIP received by those with less serious injuries (although this does not take account of other payments, additional to the SGIP, made to eligible children).
HM Revenue and Customs legislation regards the SGIP as “additional income” in recognition of any salary that the spouse may be earning, and it is therefore subject to taxation. SGIP payments are calculated in such a way as to make an element of the award effectively tax free. It is primarily the method of calculating the award, rather than its taxable status, which results in the SGIP representing a lower overall guaranteed income than the 100% GIP.
Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the guarantee not to reassess those who are part of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme when they transfer from being in receipt of disability living allowance to the personal independence payment applies to those on all armed forces compensation schemes.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c603W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 10 December 2012
Service and ex-service personnel who are awarded an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) award at tariffs 1-8 or who receive a guaranteed income payment of 50% or higher will be eligible, without reassessment, for the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) when it is introduced. All other service and ex-service personnel in receipt of disability living allowance (DLA) will be subject to the personal independence payment (PIP) rules including reassessment when it is introduced. However, those who receive compensation under the War Pensions Scheme have access to other, more generous, allowances in place of DLA. These additional war pensions allowances will continue and not be changed when PIP is introduced.
Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) which postings in the (a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force last longer than 13 weeks; and how many people undertook each such posting in each year since 2005;
(2) which training courses in the (a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force take longer than 13 weeks; and how many people took part in each such course in each year since 2005;
(3) which deployments in the (a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force last longer than 13 weeks; and how many people undertook in each such deployment in each year since 2005.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c605W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 10 December 2012
Postings in all three services exceed 13 weeks; most are for two years or more, although service personnel may be sent on short-term detachments during this period. Virtually all trained service personnel are posted to a unit. Most Army deployments are for a minimum of six months and the Royal Navy and RAF deploy units, composite unit elements or individuals to operational theatres for various lengths of time. Similarly there is a multitude of training courses run by the single services covering career, operational, platform specific and professional training, added to which are those run by the Defence Academy. Many of these exceed 13 weeks. The information requested about training is not held centrally and for the last seven years could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British Army regimental museums there are in the UK.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c605W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
There are 130 British Army regimental museums in the UK.
Bob Russell (Colchester, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of members of the armed forces whose application for voluntary redundancy was approved based on their total years of service who had their redundancy package reduced because their accumulated years involved a break in service; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c606W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 26 November 2012
We believe that in the Tranche 2 redundancy process, there may have been a small number of personnel who, in calculating their entitlements using an online redundancy calculator, did not take into account gaps in service. Personnel who had a break in service that spanned the transition between the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) 75 and AFPS 05 would not necessarily be eligible to aggregate their service for the purposes of a redundancy package.
Written redundancy forecasts, issued in June 2012, outlined the exact package to which applicants were entitled.
The online redundancy calculator is an anonymous tool and holds no personal data, so it is not possible to identify the number of personnel who used it to estimate their redundancy payment and subsequently received a lower formal forecast.
However, the Ministry of Defence is aware of 14 cases in which Army personnel have appealed after receiving lower redundancy payment forecasts than they had expected after using the online redundancy calculator. No known cases exist in the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many cases of alleged (a) rape and (b) sexual assault have (i) been tried in the Service Civilian Court and (ii) resulted in a conviction since 2000; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c607W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
There have been two cases of alleged sexual assault that have been tried in the Service Civilian Court since 2005, one in 2005 and one in 2010. The charge of sexual assault in 2005 was changed to one of battery and a conviction resulted. The 2010 case resulted in a conviction for sexual assault. There were no trials for rape in the Service Civilian Court.
During this period there have been other cases of rape and sexual assault which were initially directed for trial in the Service Civilian Court, but subsequently directed to either District Court Martial (DCM) or General Court Martial (GCM). DCMs and GCMs were replaced by “Court Martial” after the implementation of Armed Forces Act 2006 in 2009.
The Service Civilian Court was referred to as the Standing Civilian Court until October 2009.
Information for the period 2000 to 2004 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Kevan Jones (North Durham, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a list of each asset on the defence estate in each nation and region of the UK, by (a) estimated worth of each asset and (b) running cost of each asset in the last 12 months.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c607W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 6 December 2012
For commercial reasons the Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not release information on the value of individual assets. The information on the running cost of every asset on the Defence estate is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Information on the overall cost of the Defence estate is published in the MOD’s Annual Report and Accounts, which is available on the MOD website at the following address:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mod-annual-report-and-accounts-2011-12
Andrew Stephenson (Pendle, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has for defence co-operation with Canada.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c607W)
Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)
The United Kingdom and Canada share a close and historic defence relationship; we remain the only two members of NATO, the G8, the G20 and the Commonwealth. UK armed forces work across a whole range of bilateral activities with their Canadian counterparts. This relationship was invigorated by the endorsement of the Canada-UK Joint Declaration in September 2011 by the Prime Minister and the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. In addition, we are pursuing areas through NATO where we can deliver closer ties across defence, particularly as we refocus post-Afghanistan; working with Canada is part of this effort.
Gareth Thomas (Harrow West, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many full-time equivalent staff were employed on consultancy contracts in his Department on the latest date for which figures are available; how many such staff were employed on the same date 12 months ago; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c608W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
We contract for external assistance with consultancy companies to deliver a specific output at an agreed price. The number of individual consultants actually employed is a commercial matter for the contractor involved.
All spending on consultancy complies with the tighter controls announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend Mr Osborne on 24 May 2010, details of which can be found at:
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/cabinet-office-controls-guidance
Expenditure on consultancy is now published annually in UK Defence Statistics and can be found at:
http://www.dasa.mod.uk/modintranet/UKDS/UKDS2011/c1/trans_sup.php
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) what the highest daily rate paid by his Department to a consultant with an existing contract is;
(2) what the average daily rate paid by his Department to consultants with an existing contract is;
(3) what the highest hourly rate charged to his Department is by a consultant with an existing contract in the (a) current and (b) previous financial year;
(4) what the current average hourly rate charged to his Department is by consultants with an existing contract;
(5) what the average daily rate charged to his Department is by consultants with an existing contract;
(6) what is the current highest daily rate charged to his Department by a consultant with an existing contract.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c609W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 10 December 2012
We contract for external assistance with consultancy companies to deliver a specific output at an agreed price. The daily rate paid to individual consultants is a commercial matter for the contractor involved.
All spending on consultancy complies with the tighter controls announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend Mr Osborne, details of which can be found at:
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/cabinet-office-controls-guidance
Expenditure on consultancy is now published annually in UK Defence Statistics and can be found at:
http://www.dasa.mod.uk/modintranet/UKDS/UKDS2011/c1/trans_sup.php
Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress he has made on the plans announced by the Prime Minister at Farnborough Air Show on 10 July 2012 to create a defence and security industry initiative to parallel the Aerospace Grants Partnership; what areas of activity will be covered by the initiative; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c610W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
We support the work that the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable, is leading to develop the Defence Growth Partnership (DGP). This will bring industry and Government together to identify ways to remove barriers to growth and enhance the competitiveness of the UK defence sector. It is an opportunity to build on the work, as set out in the National Security Through Technology White Paper (CM 8278), to encourage UK-based companies to fulfil our requirements and export successfully. The partnership will look at a range of issues, including how we exploit links between civil and military technologies, skills required for the sector, and how there can be more flexibility in the workforce between the defence sector and advanced manufacturers.
BIS has been holding discussions with industry and its representatives to determine the framework for the DGP’s work. The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend Michael Fallon, will co-chair the DGP on behalf of the Government and we will shortly announce the name of the industry co-chair.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the significance of the (a) aerospace, (b) naval and (c) military ground vehicle industry as a component of the UK’s defence industrial base; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c610W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Government recognises the significant contribution the UK defence industry makes in supplying our armed forces. The defence industry is an integral part of our advanced manufacturing base and UK companies have some of the most high-tech manufacturing facilities in the world. As we set out in the National Security Through Technology White Paper (CM 8278) the best way for UK industry to remain strong is to be competitive. Our approach provides the right incentives to grow thriving, vibrant companies that can compete globally and supply the UK armed forces with the capabilities they require. This is why the White Paper also set out a range of Government action including sustaining investment in defence science and technology, encouraging small and medium sized enterprises to fulfil their potential, and increasing support to responsible defence exports.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 14 May 2012, Official Report, columns 261-4, on defence budget and transformation, what airlift capabilities are part of the Core Equipment Programme.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c610W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The airlift capabilities in the Core Equipment Programme consist of current in-service capabilities plus the following equipment programmes and their support costs for which funding is allocated:
A330 Voyager
A400M Atlas
BAE 146 Quick Change
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the Statement of 14 May 2012, Official Report, columns 261-4, on defence budget and transformation, what helicopter capabilities are part of the Core Equipment Programme.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c611W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The helicopter capabilities in the Core Equipment Programme consist of current in-service capabilities plus the following equipment programmes and their support and training costs:
Chinook Mk6 New Buy
Apache Capability Sustainment Programme
Merlin Capability Sustainment Programme
Puma Life Extension Programme
Falkland Island Search and Rescue and Support Helicopter
Wildcat—Army and Navy variants
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 14 May 2012, Official Report, columns 261-4, on defence budget and transformation,
(1) what carrier strike capabilities are part of the Core Equipment Programme;
(2) what the surface fleet is in the Core Equipment Programme.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c611W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Carrier Strike capabilities in the Core Equipment Programme consist of the following equipment programmes and their support and training costs for which funding is allocated:
Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers
Joint Combat Aircraft
Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) Tankers
Crowsnest—Airborne maritime surveillance and control, to be fitted to the Merlin Mk2 helicopter, which will replace the Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (SKASaC) system
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the Statement of 14 May 2012, Official Report, columns 261-4, on defence budget and transformation, what fast jet capabilities are part of the Core Equipment Programme.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c611W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The fast jet capabilities in the Core Equipment Programme consist of current in-service capabilities plus the following equipment programmes and their support and training costs for which funding is allocated:
Typhoon Tranche 3
F35-B Joint Strike Fighter (Lightning II)
Typhoon Future Capability Package 1
Typhoon Future Capability Package 2
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 14 May 2012, Official Report, columns 261-4, on defence budget and transformation, what heavy armoured platforms are part of the Core Equipment Programme.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c611W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The heavy armoured platforms in the Core Equipment Programme consist of the following in-service capabilities:
Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank
AS90 Self Propelled Artillery piece
Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle
Titan Armoured Bridge Layer
Trojan Armoured Engineer Vehicle
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 14 May 2012, Official Report, columns 261-4, on defence budget and transformation, what counter chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear capabilities are part of the Core Equipment Programme.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c612W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear capabilities in the Core Equipment Programme consist of current in-service capabilities plus the following equipment programmes and their support costs for which funding is allocated:
Aircrew Protective Equipment and Detection
Hazard Management
Light Role Team Enhancement
Medical Countermeasures
Networked Biological, Radiological, and Chemical Information System
Personal Decontamination
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 14 May 2012, Official Report, columns 261-4, on defence budget and transformation, what submarine capabilities form part of the Core Equipment Programme.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c612W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The submarine capabilities in the Core Equipment Programme consist of current in-service capabilities plus the following equipment programmes and their support and training costs for which funding is allocated:
Astute Class submarines
Successor programme to replace the Vanguard Class submarines. The main investment decision is due in 2016.
Maritime Underwater Future Capability
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 14 May 2012, Official Report, columns 261-64, on defence budget and transformation, whether the cost of personnel from all three services is included as part of the Core Equipment Programme.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c612W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The cost of service personnel is not included as part of the Core Equipment Programme.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 14 May 2012, Official Report, columns 261-64, on defence budget and transformation, whether any items on the single integrated priority list are included in the Core Equipment Programme.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c612W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Single Integrated Priority List is a consolidated list of the Ministry of Defence’s future priorities for investment in military capability. It is separate from the core equipment programme, which consists of those equipment programmes to which we have already made a commitment to invest, their support costs, and the support costs for in-service equipment.
During the course of Annual Budgeting Cycle 13, the new discipline in our budgetary regime has allowed us to give the go ahead for a series of equipment projects, some of which were previously on the Single Integrated Priority List, which have now been brought into the core equipment programme. This includes targeting pods for fast jets, 76 additional Foxhound patrol vehicles, better protection systems for Tornado GR4, additional precision-guided Paveway IV bombs and enhancements to Merlin helicopters.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 14 May 2012, Official Report, columns 261-4, on defence budget and transformation, what Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance capabilities are part of the Core Equipment Programme.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c613W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) in the Core Equipment Programme consists of current in-service capabilities plus the following equipment programmes and their support costs for which funding is allocated:
Airseeker—Airborne signals intelligence
Crowsnest—Airborne maritime surveillance and control
Scavenger—Future armed operational unmanned air system (UAS)
Seaseeker—Maritime electronic surveillance
Seer—Tactical electronic surveillance deployed on land
Sentinel—Airborne wide area surveillance
Sentry—Air command and control and situational awareness
Solomon—A programme to improve the coordination and dissemination of ISTAR
Watchkeeper—Tactical UAS
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the number of people who will be employed by his Department’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation in (a) Scotland, (b) England, (c) Northern Ireland and (d) Wales in 2014.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c614W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) transformation programme will determine both the future operating model and most appropriate corporate structure for the DIO. Further work is ongoing on the future laydown of personnel and bases; this is expected to report in early 2013.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which companies have given a formal expression of interest to become the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s strategic business partner.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c614W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Following an exercise which saw over 50 companies expressing initial interest in becoming the Strategic Business Partner to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, seven formal Pre-Qualification Questionnaires were received. After evaluation, the following three consortia have been selected to continue in the competition:
Telereal Trillium/KPMG/Mace
Serco/DTZ/Bechtel
Capita/URS/PA Consulting
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) how many platforms have had the assessment phase of the procurement cycle altered since May 2010; and what assessment he has made of the effect of such changes on the (a) overall cost of programmes and (b) in-service dates;
(2) how many platforms have had the detail of the manufacturing phase of the procurement cycle altered since May 2010; and what assessment he has made of the effect of such changes on the (a) overall cost of programmes and (b) in-service dates;
(3) how many platforms have had the detail of their development phase of the procurement cycle altered since May 2010; and what assessment he has made of the effect of such changes on the (a) overall cost of programmes and (b) in-service dates;
(4) how many platforms have had the detail of the disposal phase of the procurement cycle altered since May 2010; and what assessment he has made of the effect of such changes on the (a) overall cost of programmes and (b) in-service dates;
(5) how many platforms have had the detail of their in-service phase of the procurement cycle altered since May 2010; and what assessment he has made of the effect of such changes on the (a) overall cost of programmes and (b) in-service dates.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c614W)
Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) how many and which platforms have had their in-service date changed since May 2010;
(2) how many platforms have had the detail of the Concept phase of the procurement cycle altered since May 2010; and what the effect has been on (a) the overall cost of the programme across its lifespan and (b) its in-service date in each case.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c615W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answers 6 and 10 December 2012
We do not routinely publish in-service dates (ISD) and costs for projects which have not passed their main investment decision as to do so would risk prejudicing the Department’s commercial position. I am therefore withholding the information requested about projects in their assessment phase.
The following major projects (that is, those with an acquisition value greater than £100 million) which were in the demonstration and manufacture stage had changes made to their ISD or costs due to deliberate decisions made by the Department. I have excluded changes to projects caused by unforeseen factors or factors outside the Department’s control. The details of changes to the following platforms can be found in the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) 2010 and the NAO Major Projects Report 2011:
Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers
Joint Combat Aircraft
Astute class submarines
T45 Destroyer
Nimrod MRA4.
Two other projects which were post Main Gate have been delayed. The details of these decisions are commercially sensitive and their release could prejudice the Department’s negotiations with its industrial partners.
Twenty-seven platforms have had the length of their expected time in-service altered as a result of departmental planning round decisions taken since May 2010. The expected financial impact of these changes was a saving of around £4.8 billion over the course of the decade. Of the 30 individual decisions (some platforms had more than one decision attached to them over this period), the effect of 21 of them was to bring forward the out-of-service date (OSD) and the effect of nine of them was to delay it.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) what recent decisions have been taken by the Major Projects Review Board to alter the timeline of scope of specific platforms;
(2) what the net total saving to his Department was directly arising from the work of the Major Projects Review Board in the latest period for which figures are available.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c615W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The purpose of the Major Projects Review Board is regularly to review the Ministry of Defence (MOD) most significant projects and in particular those at risk of failure. Its aim is to ensure that projects keep to the cost and time parameters agreed by the Department’s Investment Approvals Committee and HM Treasury at the major investment decision point.
It was agreed by the then Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend Dr Fox, in June 2011 that the discussions would not be made public to protect any commercial confidentialities and the provision of free and frank advice to Ministers. However, where projects of concern were identified, these would be publicly listed. There has only been one project of concern listed to date, which was Project Valiant Jetty.
The latest edition of the NAO’s Major Project Review is due for publication in early January 2013 and this will provide review and analysis of the MOD’s project performance, how the Department seeks to control cost and timeline and the performance of major acquisition projects.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the armed forces have worked in defence procurement in his Department for a period of two years or more.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c616W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Information on the number of armed forces personnel that have worked in any aspect of defence procurement for over two years is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. In terms of those armed forces personnel currently employed in Defence Equipment and Support, of 3,817 posts, 18 have served in their current posts for two years or more as at 30 November 2012.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which countries the UK has procured defence (a) equipment and (b) support services from in each financial year since 2000-01 by contract value.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c616W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The compilation of statistics relating to imports of defence equipment or support services was discontinued under the last administration. The final set of statistics relating to defence imports for 2007 were published in UK Defence Statistics 2008 which can be viewed at:
http://www.dasa.mod.uk/modintranet/UKDS/UKDS2008/c1/table113.html
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many meetings (a) he and (b) each Minister in his Department had with defence contractors on the renegotiation of defence contracts since May 2010.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c616W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 10 December 2012
As part of routine business, Defence Ministers hold regular meetings on a number of issues with our major contractors. These include discussions on defence equipment and support programmes.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress his Department has made on the development of the e-scan radar planned for deployment on Typhoon aircraft; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c617W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 3 December 2012
The Typhoon partner nations are currently assessing industry proposals for a range of options to integrate e-scan radar onto the Typhoon fleet as part of the project’s assessment phase activity.
Kevan Jones (North Durham, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 5 December 2012, Official Report, column 246W, on Germany, if he will list each meeting in the last six months he has had with ministerial colleagues on the withdrawal of British military bases from Germany.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c617W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
A specific list of meetings on the withdrawal of British military bases from Germany is not held. However Ministers and Ministry of Defence officials continue to have regular meetings on a range of issues some of which will have included basing.
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Investment Approvals Committee will next meet; and what items will be discussed at this meeting.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c617W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence Investment Approvals Committee will next meet on 16 January 2013. The Committee will discuss a range of equipment capability projects.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish his Department’s assessment of the UK’s ISTAR requirements.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c617W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
It would be inappropriate to publish a full assessment of the UK’s intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) requirements as its disclosure could prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he plans to take to ensure that his Department complies with accounting requirements with regard to leases.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c617W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence’s policies on leases, and action to be taken to comply with accounting standards and legislation, can be found on page 120 of the 2011-12 annual report, a copy of which is available in the Vote Office. It is also available on the MOD website at the following address:
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/AnnualReports/
Lee Scott (Ilford North, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he is giving to the procurement of an alternative model of attack helicopter if the Apache AH-64D cannot be upgraded at an acceptable price.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c618W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Attack Helicopter Capability Sustainment Programme is currently in its concept phase. All viable options are being investigated to maintain operational attack helicopter capability and no decisions have been made.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department is taking to ensure that robust budgets are being adhered to in collaborative defence projects.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c618W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Before approval is given for any major investment decision, including international collaborative defence projects, the business case and contracts are subjected to rigorous independent departmental and cross-departmental scrutiny and due diligence. This scrutiny includes the cost assurance, value for money, commercial rigour and affordability of the proposals.
As is the case with national programmes, international collaborative proposals must demonstrate that they represent a cost-effective approach throughout the procurement process.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimated value of fraud has been the trigger for an investigation by Ministry of Defence Police in each year between 2005 and 2012; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c619W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Ministry of Defence Police investigations, including fraud, are generally determined in terms of whether the crime impacts significantly against Defence capability rather than a predetermined value.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the investigation responsibilities are of the (a) Ministry of Defence Police and (b) Royal Military Police; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c619W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The general responsibility for the maintenance and enforcement of the criminal law in the United Kingdom rests with local police forces. However, the service police have a concurrent jurisdiction over all persons subject to the Armed Forces Act 2006. The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) also have a concurrent jurisdiction (under the MDP Act 1987), over what may very broadly be described as defence property and defence personnel. In some cases it will be more appropriate for the MDP or service police to deal with defence-related crime. A flexible approach, based on consultation and agreement at local level, is encouraged, where the respective police forces discuss who is best placed to take action based on availability of resources, jurisdiction and the public interest. These arrangements are set out in Home Office Circular 028/2008 ‘A Protocol between police forces and the Ministry of Defence Police’.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the contribution of the Ministry of Defence Police to investigating theft from the Ministry of Defence.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c619W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The general responsibility for the maintenance and enforcement of the criminal law in the UK rests with local police forces. However, in order to counter its major crime threats and risks, the Ministry of Defence has a requirement for dedicated Ministry of Defence police resources to be focused on the prevention and investigation of fraud, corruption and theft of key Defence equipment and assets, the loss of which would have a significant impact on Defence operational effectiveness, and the recovery of such equipment and assets. The MOD has assessed that such capabilities should remain available to it.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of future manpower requirements for the Ministry of Defence Police; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c620W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Work is currently under way to determine the future Ministry of Defence police requirements across the United Kingdom.
Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent for hospitality purposes on (a) Champagne, (b) wines, (c) spirits, (d) soft drinks, (e) flowers, (f) laundry, (g) porterage, (h) china, (i) cutlery and (j) venue hire since May 2010.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c620W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Information on overall hospitality and entertainment expenditure is published in the annual report, which is available on the Ministry of Defence website at the following address:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mod-annual-report-and-accounts-2011-12
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in which countries staff of his Department are permanently based.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c620W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Military and civilian employment figures in countries where staff are permanently based, are published in the United Kingdom Defence Statistics Quarterly Location Statistics Tables 1.1a (all personnel) and Tables 1.1b (military broken down by service) showing the position as at 1 October 2012.
These figures can be found at:
http://www.dasa.mod.uk/applications/newWeb/www/index. php?page=48&thiscontent=120&pubType=0&date=2012-11- 22&disText=01%20Oct%202012&from=historic&topDate=2012-11- 22&PublishTime=09:30:00
Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was paid in (a) year end and (b) in-year bonuses to officials in his Department in each of the last two years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c620W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to Angus Robertson on 31 October 2012, Hansard, columns 294-95W. I reiterate that the performance-related element of pay, colloquially referred to as a ‘bonus’ is actually part of the Ministry of Defence’s pay bill, an arrangement set up by the previous Government. Such payments are non-pensionable, and reduce the overall cost of employing civil servants.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for which trade routes the UK participates in counter-piracy operations.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c621W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The UK contributes to three multi-national counter-piracy operations in the Indian ocean region, principally to protect the trade route through the gulf of Aden. These are Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force 151, the EU’s Operation Atalanta and NATO’s Operation Ocean Shield.
These commitments are consistent with the policy of the previous Government. In addition, the UK is providing personnel to the European Union’s regional maritime capacity-building mission to Somalia and the Indian ocean EUCAP Nestor. The UK is also a member of the Singapore-based Regional Co-operation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery (ReCAAP) in Asia.
Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the project licences granted under the provisions of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 for use in Porton Down involve collaboration with defence agencies from the US; and for what reasons such collaboration was undertaken in each case.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c621W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
A total of six of the currently active project licences in operation at Dstl Porton Down cover work that is funded directly by US Defence Agencies. Additionally, the work performed under a large proportion of the remaining 15 licences, although not funded by the US, produces results that are shared through a number of different collaborative agreements with our US and other international partners.
Dstl has a remit to undertake research on behalf of the UK Government. This can involve participation in International Collaboration Programmes with other allied nations on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. This collaboration results in burden sharing and means that our use of animals in research studies can be reduced below that which would be required if we were not to collaborate.
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the value will be of resources transferred from the 2011-12 defence budget to the 2012-13 budget for the Ministry of Defence.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c621W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
holding answer 11 December 2012
No resources were transferred from 2011-12 to 2012-13.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to Table 2.2 of the Autumn Statement,
(1) from where the saving of £245 million to his Department’s resource budget is to be made in 2013-14;
(2) how much of the reduction in his Department’s budget in 2013-14 is accounted for by unallocated provision.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c622W)
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) what assessment he has made of the potential effects of the savings announced in the Autumn Statement on the contingency for the Core Equipment Programme;
(2) what assessment he has made of the potential effects of the savings announced in the Autumn Statement on the Core Equipment Programme in each year from 2014-15.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c622W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
holding answer 12 December 2012
The saving of £245 million required in 2013-14 will be found from the Departmental Unallocated Provision from 2012-13, which the Treasury has agreed can be carried forward.
The autumn statement of 5 December 2012, Hansard, columns 871-822, announced reductions in the Defence Resource budget in 2013-14 and 2014-15. This had no effect on the Core Equipment Programme in these years, including the contingency, which remains in excess of £4 billion over the 10-year budget period.
The 2013 spending review will set departmental budgets for 2015-16, but HM Treasury have confirmed that the Department can continue to plan on an assumption of a 1% real terms annual increase in the MOD Equipment Programme from 2015.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the Autumn Statement, how much of the reduction in his Department’s budget in 2013-14 results from underspends in 2011-12.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c622W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
holding answer 12 December 2012
None of the reductions in the MOD’s budget in 2013-14 results from underspend in 2011-12.
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the potential effects of the savings announced in the autumn statement on the planned annual increase in the defence equipment and support budget from 2015.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c622W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
holding answer 12 December 2012
The savings announced in the autumn statement of 5 December 2012, Hansard, columns 871-82, relate only to financial years 2013-14 and 2014-15, and therefore have no effect on the planned annual increase in the Defence Equipment and Support budget from 2015. The Treasury have confirmed that the Department can continue to plan on the assumption of a 1% real terms annual increase in the Ministry of Defence Equipment programme from 2015
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the autumn statement, whether the flexibilities agreed with HM Treasury are permanent.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c622W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
holding answer 12 December 2012
The improved financial discipline that the Ministry of Defence has demonstrated has enabled us to agree exceptional flexibilities with HM Treasury this year. We will continue to pursue improvements in our financial management and will expect to have, as a minimum, access to Budget Exchange on the same basis as all other Departments, in future years.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the Autumn Statement 2012, from which categories of expenditure the projected saving of £490 million in 2014-15 will be made.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c623W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
holding answer 13 December 2012
The Treasury has agreed that the MOD can carry forward its unallocated provision. This is adequate to absorb the budget reduction of £490 million in 2014-15 that was announced in the autumn statement.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence from what baseline the annual real one per cent increase in the defence budget post-2015 will be delivered.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c623W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
holding answer 13 December 2012
HM Treasury have confirmed that the MOD can continue to plan on the assumption of a 1% real terms annual increase in the Equipment Programme from 2015. The baseline remains as set by HM Treasury at the conclusion of the three month exercise in July 2011.
Kevan Jones (North Durham, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much unallocated provision existed within his Department’s budget in 2011-12.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c623W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
holding answer 13 December 2012
None; we started making unallocated provision from financial year 2012-13.
Kevan Jones (North Durham, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) what changes he plans to make to the Single Integrated Priority List as a result of the £245 million reduction in his Department’s spending in 2013-14 announced in the Autumn Statement 2012;
(2) what changes he plans to make to the Single Integrated Priority List as a result of the £490 million reduction in his Department’s spending in 2014-15 announced in the Autumn Statement 2012.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c623W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
holding answer 13 December 2012
None. The savings required will be found from the departmental unallocated provision.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the definition is of unallocated provisions as included in his Department’s budget.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c624W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
holding answer 13 December 2012
Departmental unallocated provision is a contingency reserve held centrally to meet unforeseen pressures. It is not allocated to individual programmes, or for specific purposes, until needed.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the amount was of his Department’s underspend in 2011-12.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c624W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
holding answer 13 December 2012
We have published this information in the Statement of Parliamentary Supply on pages 108 and 109 of the MOD’s 2011-12 Annual Report and Accounts (HC 62), laid before the House on 6 December 2012. This publication is also available online at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mod-annual-report-and-accounts-2011-12
Kevan Jones (North Durham, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) what the planned annual running cost of the Reserve Force is in each year between 2012 and 2020;
(2) what the projected annual running cost of the Reserve Force is once it has reached a complement of 30,000 personnel.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c624W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
In a force where regular and reserve elements are increasingly integrated it is becoming more difficult to separate the running costs of one from the other. There are costs associated with, for example, infrastructure, training and equipment that cannot readily be separated. For that reason, it is not possible to provide a precise figure for running costs of the Reserve Forces. However, the MOD plans to invest an additional £1.8 billion in the Reserves to increase and develop their trained strength and to enhance their capability over the period to 2020.
Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) what (a) training courses, (b) postings and (c) deployments for Reserve Forces under Reservists 2020 plans will take longer than 13 weeks;
(2) what training the UK Reserve Forces will be expected to undertake under the Future Reserves 2020 measures.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c624W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 10 December 2012
Reservists will be given the training courses that they need to carry out their role in the integrated force. The aim is to provide a sufficient foundation on which to add further training should there be a requirement to mobilise an individual reservist or reserve sub-unit. This varies by service in accordance with their need, but will require an average annual commitment, after initial training, of between 24 to 40 days per year, which would normally involve a continuous training period of between 10 to 16 days.
There will be parity between reservists and regulars where it is appropriate, such as pre-deployment training for operations. With the exception of a small cadre of reservists held at high readiness, the intention of both the Royal Navy and the Army is for Maritime and Army reservists to be mobilised for no more than one six month deployment in any five year period. Air reservists are expected to work on a mobilisation cycle of around one six month deployment every three years. With the exception of pre-deployment training there are no training courses that exceed 13 weeks.
Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Reservists 2020 plan will provide reservists with service accommodation.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c625W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 10 December 2012
It is too early to say. Reservist conditions of service are being reviewed as part of the Future Reserves 2020 Consultation Exercise.
Under current tri-service accommodation regulations, volunteer reserve service carries no entitlement to publicly funded single living or service families accommodation. During periods of authorised training and mobilised service, single services administer and provide reservists with accommodation at public expense to achieve the necessary standards of training and/or operational capability.
Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 21 November 2012, Official Report, columns 497-8W, on sick leave, what assessment he has made of the difference in the proportion of working days lost due to ill health between officers at AA grade and at SCS grade; and what assessment he has made of the use of mindfulness-based therapies in reducing the proportion of working days lost in his Department.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c626W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to take a robust approach to managing civilian sickness absence, and a major review of absence policies has ensured that they remain relevant. Occupational health and well-being advice and support is available to all employees and line managers.
No specific assessment has been made of the difference in the proportion of working days lost between the various grades, although part of the explanation for the higher rates seen in the lowest grades is that industrial staff, who undertake physically demanding civilian roles in the Ministry of Defence, are clustered predominantly in equivalent grades AA, AO and EO. Industrial staff have historically had higher rates of sickness absence than those of equivalent graded office-based staff. This Department is unique in this respect, in that it employs over 80% of all industrial staff in the civil service.
The Ministry of Defence has made no assessment as to the utility of mindfulness-based therapies in reducing sick absence. Officials do, however, remain fully aware of evolving best practice in health and well-being.
Graeme Morrice (Livingston, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of civilian staff are employed by his Department.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c627W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Civilian employment figures are published in the Quarterly Civilian Personnel Report and the position at 1 October 2012 is 70,360. This is a reduction of 19,610 personnel from the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) baseline figure of 89,970 personnel on 1 April 2010.
These figures can also be found at:
http://www.dasa.mod.uk/applications/newWeb/www/index.php?page=48&pubType=1&thiscontent=510&PublishTime =09:30:00&date=2012-11-08&disText=l%20October%202012 &from=listing&topDate=2012-11-08
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Bridgend of 30 November 2012, Official Report, columns 562-64W, on theft, to which service the pony listed was attached; and for what purpose the service used the pony.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c627W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 10 December 2012
The pony in question is not owned by any of the services, and is not funded by MOD; it belongs to the Royal Artillery Equestrian Centre and has been used by the Royal Artillery Saddle Club, although it is now retired.
Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to encourage recruiting for the armed forces from the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c628W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 10 December 2012
There are no specific plans to encourage recruiting outside of the UK. The services recognise and value the contribution which foreign and Commonwealth personnel including those from the overseas territories have made, and continue to make, to our armed forces. Anyone with access to the internet can access the services’ recruiting websites and apply to join if they meet published eligibility criteria, including those from Turks and Caicos. However the recruitment process is conducted in the UK and applicants must have the right to remain in the UK during that period, as is the case for all applicants for the armed forces, except Gurkhas.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the maximum speed will be of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier and the Astute Class submarine.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c629W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
I am withholding details of the maximum speed of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers and the Astute Class submarines, as their release would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of our armed forces.
Tom Watson (West Bromwich East, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the effect of unmanned aerial vehicle strikes on the mental health and wellbeing of civilians in Afghanistan.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 18 December 2012, c707W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
We have no reason to believe that aerial strikes from whatever platform have had an adverse effect in general on the mental health and wellbeing of civilians in Afghanistan. Weapons released by the UK’s Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft System are no different to those from other airborne platforms. Attacks are carried out under the command of a pilot bounded by Rules of Engagement which are no different to those used for manned combat aircraft. Targets are always positively identified as legitimate military objectives and strikes are prosecuted in accordance with the Law of Armed Conflict and UK Rules of Engagement.
Patrick Mercer (Newark, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) names of members of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) killed on operations were read out during ceremonies at ISAF-headquarters to honour the dead, (b) Afghan nationals were killed on operations and (c) members of the Afghan National Army were killed on operations in each week of 2012 to date.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 18 December 2012, c708W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Headquarters holds a service every Sunday morning, during which the names of ISAF personnel who have been killed in the intervening period are read out. Details of fatalities are released publicly as they are confirmed, not on a weekly basis. These press releases are available at the ISAF website at:
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/casualty-report/index.php
Between 1 January 2012 and 18 December 2012, 274 ISAF soldiers have died on operations.
While we investigate carefully all alleged incidents involving UK forces, the Government does not record total figures for insurgent or civilian casualties in Afghanistan because of the immense difficulty and risks that would be involved in collecting robust data. The UN Assistance Mission to Afghanistan released its own most recent report on civilian casualties in July 2012, which recorded a total of 1,145 civilian deaths from 1 January to 31 June 2012, 80% of which were attributed to anti-government forces, and 10% of which could not be attributed.
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan does not release figures for Afghan National Security Force fatalities.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 14 May 2012, Official Report, columns 261-4, on defence budget and transformation, what maritime patrol capabilities are part of the Core Equipment Programme.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 18 December 2012, c709W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Since the previous Government withdrew the Maritime Patrol Aircraft a range of complementary assets have been used to conduct maritime patrol including T23 Frigates, Merlin helicopters, attack submarines, Hercules and Sentry aircraft. All of these assets are in the core programme. A decision on any future requirement will not be made until the Strategic Defence and Security Review in 2015.
The maritime patrol boat capabilities in the core equipment programme consist of the following current in-service capabilities:
Hunt Class Mine Countermeasures Vessels
Sandown Class Mine Countermeasures Vessels
River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels
Clyde Class Offshore Patrol Vessels (Helicopter)
P2000 Patrol Boats
Gibraltar Patrol Boat Squadron
Ocean Survey Vessel
Coastal Survey Vessels
Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to paragraph III. 4 of the report of the UN Secretary-General on Effects of the use of armaments and ammunities containing depleted uranium, dated 17 September 2010, what assessment he has made of the recommendation by the UN Environment Programme that action be taken to clean up and decontaminate the polluted sites and that there should be a policy of awareness-raising among local populations; and if he will take steps to implement these recommendations.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 18 December 2012, c709W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The scientific consensus is that DU intakes are only likely to be a concern for those in or on vehicles at the time they are struck by DU or for those who enter immediately afterwards.
Menzies Campbell (North East Fife, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether (a) he, (b) Ministers or (c) officials of his Department have (i) received written communication from or (ii) met representatives of (A) Thales Training and Simulation Ltd, (B) Infrastructure Investment Ltd or (C) Robertson Group in relation to his Department’s Basing Review.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 18 December 2012, c710W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
It will take a little time to co-ordinate details of any possible written communications from Thales Training and Simulation Ltd, Infrastructure Investment Ltd or Robertson Group in relation to the Basing Review. I will write to the right hon. and learned Member when the information is available.
Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for unmanned underwater vehicle programmes in the Royal Navy; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 18 December 2012, c711W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Royal Navy Fleet Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Unit and the Fleet Diving Squadron operate a number of UUVs for trials, evaluation and the development of training, tactics and doctrine. As part of a wider programme, the Mine Countermeasures, Hydrographic and Patrol Capability project team is investigating exploitation of UUVs to deliver elements of these capabilities in the future. The programme is in its concept phase so the Department is not in a position to set out detailed plans at this stage.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the programme of analysis referred to by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary in his Department on 21 November 2012, Official Report, column 561 will include an assessment of the potential effects of Scottish independence on armed forces recruitment.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 5 December 2012, c772W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
The UK Government’s position is clear: Scotland benefits from being part of the UK and the UK benefits from having Scotland within it. We are confident that the people of Scotland will choose to remain part of the UK, and are not therefore, planning for any other outcome.
It is our policy to maintain the integrity of the United Kingdom and we are currently undertaking a programme of analysis of how Scotland contributes to, and benefits from being part of, the UK. This will include how Scotland contributes to, and benefits from, the UK’s integrated armed forces. However, without knowing what a hypothetical independent Scottish Government’s approach to defence would be, we cannot predict what the implications would be for the defence of the UK or for the defence of an independent Scotland, including the effects on armed forces recruitment.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions were issued to commanding officers on reporting incidents of (a) rape and (b) sexual assault to civilian police between 2000 and 2012; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 5 December 2012, c773W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Commanding Officers (Designate) course, run in each of the services, includes briefings on the legal and disciplinary responsibilities of Commanding Officers.
Since October 2009, Commanding Officers are guided by Volume 1 of the Manual of Service Law (Version 2). This provides extensive policy guidance and reference material on the procedures introduced by the Armed Forces Act 2006 and Chapter 3, Part 3, paragraph 52 refers to consultations with relevant civilian authorities when jurisdiction lies within the UK.
Prior to 2009 this guidance was provided under the single Service Discipline Acts, Naval Discipline Act 1957, Army Act 1955, Air Force Act 1955.
A copy of the Manual of Service Law is in the Library of the House.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what alleged offences against a senior rank made by a junior rank can be reported outside the chain of command; to whom the allegation can be reported; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 6 December 2012, c896W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
It is very important that all service people feel free to exercise their right to make an allegation without fear of victimisation or other inappropriate behaviour. Provision has therefore been made in legislation to protect this right. As such, any allegations, both of criminal and non-criminal misconduct, can be reported to the service police without requiring any referral by the chain of command, and individuals are also protected by their right to report any allegations of criminal misconduct to the civilian police. In addition, service personnel of all ranks can also make service complaints. These will be dealt with outside of the immediate chain of command where the alleged misconduct pertains to that chain.
Julian Lewis (New Forest East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether there will be any impediment to Sergeant Danny Nightingale resuming his military career on release from detention.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 6 December 2012, c896W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 30 November 2012
The decision of the appeal court to reduce Sergeant Nightingale’s sentence to a 12 month detention, suspended, means that he has now been released from detention albeit subject to the terms of that suspension. The Court also granted leave to appeal the conviction and therefore it would be inappropriate for me to comment until that appeal has concluded or been abandoned.
Stephen Barclay (North East Cambridgeshire, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer of 21 May 2012, Official Report, column 438W, on defence procurement, how many of the urgent operational requirements delivered, or planned for delivery, later than originally approved are projected to be more than (a) six months, (b) 12 months, (c) 18 months and (d) 24 months later than the original date.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 6 December 2012, c896W)
Gerald Howarth (Aldershot, Conservative)
holding answer 16 July 2012
The information requested is currently being verified. I will write to my hon. Friend when this has been completed.
Substantive answer from Philip Dunne to Stephen Barclay:
In response to your parliamentary question of 3rd September 2012, (Official Report, column 45W) seeking further information about the length of delay to the UORs referred to in his answer of 21st May 2012, my predecessor undertook to write to you with the information you requested. As some time has now passed I wanted to explain the reason for the delay.
The Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR) process was intended to allow the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to purchase rapidly or modify equipment to address urgent and unforeseen capability gaps in support of a current or imminent military operation. The process has been an undoubted success, with over £5.5 billion spent on equipment to meet emerging requirements in Afghanistan since the operation began. The process has evolved over several years and continues to change in relation to, among other things, the types of UOR being procured, the way Defence is organised and the databases on which the information is held. As a result of this evolution in the way the MOD manages the process, there is currently no single repository of information on UORs to draw from, although work is in hand to address this.
When the Ministry of Defence answered your original question of 21st May 2012, (Official Report, column 439W) officials did so to the best of their ability. In preparing the answer to your latest question about how late some UORs were compared to their original approvals, discrepancies between the current bespoke UOR database and other records were discovered. I would like to resolve these before formally responding to your question and have asked for this work to be completed as soon as possible.
I am sorry for this delay and will provide an answer to you as soon as the checks are completed and the information verified.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent work has taken place under the Nuclear Facilities Estate Investment at HM Naval Base Devonport.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 6 December 2012, c898W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The investment in the Nuclear Facilities Estate at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport involves modernising the long-term docking and decommissioning and lay up facilities for Trafalgar Class submarines. This includes replacement of the reactor access house for removing fuel from the submarines, along with a number of safety improvements.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of leasing HMS Clyde in each year to 2018.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 6 December 2012, c898W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The annual cost of leasing HMS Clyde until 2018 is £3.5 million. This figure excludes contractor logistic support costs.
Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to which foreign staff colleges the UK attaches instructors.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 6 December 2012, c900W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 22 November 2012
The UK has instructors at staff colleges in Australia, France, Germany, the United States of America, Canada, Kuwait, Italy, South Africa, Brunei and Germany, in addition, instructors are routinely posted to UAE and Jamaica, although there are no current incumbents in these posts.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) how many active Z-Berths are in UK waters and where such berths are located; how many times such berths have been used in each of the last five years; and how many nuclear-powered submarines such berths can accommodate at any one time;
(2) how many X-Berths there are at UK Royal Navy bases; where such berths are located; and how many nuclear-powered submarines such berths can accommodate.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 6 December 2012, c900W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
HM Naval Base Devonport has four alongside X Berths, each capable of accommodating two nuclear powered warships (NPW), and two Z Berth mooring buoys, each of which can accommodate a single NPW.
HM Naval Base Clyde has six alongside X Berths and one alongside Z Berth, all of which can accommodate one NPW. Clyde also has one Z Berth anchorage, which is currently in the process of being re-authorised.
Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations are being conducted by his Department.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 6 December 2012, c900W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 30 November 2012
Public consultations are recorded on the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) website and can be found at:
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/ConsultationsandCommunications/PublicConsultations/
MOD does not hold a central list of its external engagements which fall short of a full public consultation and to create such a list would incur disproportionate cost.
Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what rules of engagement govern the use of UK armed drones.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 6 December 2012, c900W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Any weapon released by the UK’s Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft System is done so under the command of a pilot bounded by Rules of Engagement which are no different to those used for manned UK combat aircraft. Targets are always positively identified as legitimate military objectives, and strikes are prosecuted in accordance with the Law of Armed Conflict and UK Rules of Engagement. I am withholding further details as their disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.
Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of whether the geographic and psychological distance between the operator of an armed UK drone and its target makes attacks more likely to be launched.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 6 December 2012, c901W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The geographical distance between the operator of an aircraft and a target, whether the pilot is in the aircraft or remote, does not affect the legal position of an attack. All UK forces operate in accordance with the Law of Armed Conflict and UK Rules of Engagement which apply no matter the location of the pilot. Additionally, pilots of all aircraft types follow the same procedures for attacks, which include an emphasis on minimising the risk of civilian casualties.
Regarding psychological considerations, experience of operating the Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) suggests that far from being detached from the reality of the situation, Reaper aircrew are just as, if not more, connected to the situation on the ground as compared to operators of other aircraft types. The increased information available to RPAS operators and subsequently ground commanders, the endurance of Remotely Piloted Aircraft and the substantial operational experience of RPAS crews, who fly missions over Afghanistan for years at a time, results in an unrivalled depth of knowledge. Therefore, RPAS make a significant contribution to the safety and security of UK and coalition forces in Afghanistan, while also minimising the risk to civilians.
Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of whether belief in the accuracy of drone sensors and cameras may lead commanders to order strikes with a higher risk of causing civilian casualties than would previously have been the case.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 6 December 2012, c901W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
UK Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) are flown by professional military pilots and follow the Law of Armed Conflict and UK Rules of Engagement in exactly the same way as pilots of other aircraft types.
The fidelity of RPAS sensors is similar to those of other aircraft types. Experience in Afghanistan indicates that the ability of UK Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to loiter and build up an intelligence picture over long periods enhances the ability of commanders to positively identify legitimate military targets and minimise the risk to civilians.
Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of whether the unmanned nature of armed UK drones makes it more likely that attacks will be launched.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 6 December 2012, c902W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
UK Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) are anything but unmanned—professional pilots remain in full control of the aircraft at all times and follow the Law of Armed Conflict and UK Rules of Engagement in exactly the same way as pilots of other aircraft types.
Our experience of operating the Reaper RPAS in Afghanistan suggests that Reaper aircrew are just as, if not more, connected to the situation on the ground as compared to operators of other aircraft types. The increased information available to RPAS operators and subsequently ground commanders, the endurance of Remotely Piloted Aircraft and the substantial operational experience of RPAS crews, who fly missions over Afghanistan for years at a time, results in an unrivalled depth of knowledge. Therefore, RPAS make a significant contribution to the safety and security of UK and coalition forces in Afghanistan, while also minimising the risk to civilians.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed forces sexual harassment surveys have been completed since 2006; and if he will place a copy of each such survey in the Library.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 10 December 2012, c36W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Since 2006, the Ministry of Defence has conducted two armed forces sexual harassment surveys, one in 2007 and one in 2009. A copy of the results of those surveys, will be placed in the Library of the House.
In addition, since 2007 the Ministry of Defence has conducted a yearly tri-service armed forces continuous attitude survey. That survey includes a question on discrimination, harassment and bullying. The results of those surveys can be accessed from the Defence Analytical Statistics and Advice website
www.dasa.mod.uk
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to ensure continuity of case ownership at the Service Prosecuting Authority in relation to cases of (a) rape and (b) sexual assault; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 10 December 2012, c36W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA) and its Director are under the jurisdiction of the Attorney-General and operate independently of the Ministry of Defence. Therefore, it is not for the Secretary of State for Defence to direct the SPA on this matter. However, the Director of Service Prosecutions has made it his personal policy to ensure continuity of case ownership where it is within his power to do so.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many allegations of (a) sexual assault and (b) rape have been made by (i) males against males, (ii) females against females, (iii) females against males and (iv) males against females in each branch of the armed forces in each year since 2000; how many such allegations have resulted in convictions; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 10 December 2012, c36W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 30 November 2012, Hansard, column 555W. Data on allegations is not held in the format requested, and this further level of detail cannot therefore be provided.
Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether all armed forces personnel will be vaccinated against Helmand fever.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 10 December 2012, c37W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Helmand fever is a generic name that originates from the Helmand fever study in 2008, where the term was coined by an individual clinician to cover acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses occurring among UK troops in Helmand, Afghanistan. The Helmand fever study showed that the undifferentiated febrile illnesses were caused by a number of different organisms and therefore there is no specific vaccine to prevent Helmand fever.
One of the causes of undifferentiated febrile illness for which a vaccine is manufactured is Q fever; caused by exposure to the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation does not recommend vaccination against Q fever, even to those within the population who are classed as being at a higher risk of exposure. As a result, no vaccine is licensed for use within the UK.
Kevan Jones (North Durham, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what legal advice he (a) sought and (b) received on the case of Sergeant Danny Nightingale.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 10 December 2012, c37W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 26 November 2012
The Secretary of State has taken all appropriate legal advice in order to ensure that he understands his position as regards decisions taken within the services’ justice system. That included seeking advice from the Attorney-General. As is convention, that legal advice will remain confidential.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what aspects of the Joint Forces Command have achieved initial operating capacity to date; and what remains to be implemented.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 10 December 2012, c38W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Joint Forces Command (JFC) manages, delivers and champions joint capabilities to support the success of military operations. JFC reached initial operating capability on 2 April 2012, and comprises the following organisations:
Permanent Joint Headquarters
The Permanent Joint Operating Bases in Gibraltar, Cyprus, British Indian Ocean Territory and South Atlantic Islands
Joint Force Headquarters
Joint Force Logistics Component
Joint Counter-Terrorist Training and Advisory Team
Directorate of Special Forces
Defence Academy
Development Concepts and Doctrine Centre
Defence Intelligence
Surgeon General’s Headquarters and the Joint Medical Command
Joint Arms Control Implementation Group
Defence Centre of Training Support
Defence Cyber Operations Group.
Work is ongoing to incorporate additional joint organisations, personnel and responsibilities into JFC’s command, financial and governance structures, and full operating capability is expected to be achieved in April 2013 as planned.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) cost and (b) completion date is of the navigational aids required for Laikypia Air Base in Kenya; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 10 December 2012, c38W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
holding answer 22 November 2012
Laikipia Air Base is the Kenyan air force main operating base. It is understood that the Kenyan authorities have made separate arrangements for the installation of navigational aids at Laikipia Air Base. The Ministry of Defence is currently in discussion with the Kenyan authorities over the use of the airbase and supporting infrastructure.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the Royal Military Police have received specialist training to conduct (a) Level 3 investigations and (b) special investigations; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 10 December 2012, c38W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Within the Army, the investigation of serious crimes, previously known as Level 3, and special investigations are conducted by members of the Royal Military Police Special Investigation Branch. Information on the total number of those serving personnel who have received training to undertake this type of investigation is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, there are currently 202 regular Army personnel assigned to the Royal Military Police Special Investigation Branch, all of whom are qualified to conduct such investigations, through their attendance on the Serious Crime Investigation Course at the Defence College of Policing and Guarding, and its historical equivalents and successful completion of an attachment to the Special Investigation Branch.
Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) pursuant to the answer of 5 November 2012, Official Report, column 501-2W, on personal independence payment, whether claimants of the Armed Forces Independence Payment will have their claims regularly reassessed; and what assessment he has made of the cost and desirability of allowing indefinite awards;
(2) what assessment he has made of whether there will be a change in the proportion of claimants required to attend an assessment for the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme following the introduction of the Armed Forces Independence Payment;
(3) how many and what proportion of people making a claim for compensation under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme to date have been required to attend a face-to-face assessment with a healthcare professional.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 10 December 2012, c39W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 3 December 2012
Personnel eligible for an Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) will not have their AFTP claims reassessed. Those eligible will be provided with an ongoing payment to allow for long-term financial assurance, meeting the Government’s commitment to provide support for injured service and ex-service personnel. It is not possible to assess how many recipients of AFIP might have their payments reduced if they were subject to periodic reassessment, and therefore to estimate the financial implications.
Each case is decided on its individual circumstances. Individuals claiming an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) award are not routinely required to attend a face-to-face assessment with a health care professional; therefore it is anticipated that there will be no change in the proportion of claimants required to attend an assessment when AFIP is introduced.
All relevant evidence and information will be gathered together with all relevant factors considered in the assessment of the AFCS claim. Cases are considered by Service Personnel Veterans Agency (SPVA). Where a decision requires medical input, the decision maker can seek advice from in-house SPVA medical advisers.
Chuka Umunna (Streatham, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) what recent discussions and correspondence Ministers and officials in his Department have had with (a) Ministers or officials in other Government Departments, (b) construction companies, (c) trades unions, (d) DIO, Defence Estates and their predecessors and (e) other parties on reports that blacklists were used in relation to (i) Irish nationals and (ii) others in his Department’s construction projects;
(2) what investigations have been carried out by officials at his Department or its agencies into reports that blacklists were used in relation to (a) Irish nationals and (b) others in his Department’s construction projects;
(3) if he will investigate reports that blacklists were used in relation to (a) Irish nationals and (b) others in his Department’s construction projects.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 10 December 2012, c40W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 4 December 2012
To the best of my knowledge there have been no recent discussions, correspondence or investigations undertaken into reports of blacklisting of Irish nationals or others in Ministry of Defence (MOD) construction projects.
The MOD does not operate any type of blacklist in relation to its acquisition contracts, as it is illegal to do so. This extends to nationality and any suggestion of discrimination on the basis of nationality. We expect our suppliers to apply the same legal requirements to their supply chain as those which we demand of them, not least those relating to discrimination and equality.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many nuclear-powered submarines can be berthed simultaneously at HM Naval Base Devonport.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 11 December 2012, c244W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Up to eight operational submarines can be accommodated at the wharves and jetties at Her Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Devonport. A further four operational submarines can be accommodated at mooring buoys and anchorages, which are used for temporary berthing in the Naval Base waters. Additional operational submarines can be accommodated at Babcock Marine’s collocated dockyard.
There is also capacity at HMNB Devonport for further nuclear-powered submarines that have left service and are in afloat storage.
Menzies Campbell (North East Fife, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer of 5 September 2011, Official Report, column 84W, on the European Fighter Aircraft, whether (a) the estimate of the cost to the public purse of transferring the Typhoon force from RAF Leuchars to RAF Lossiemouth and (b) the estimate of the cost to the public purse of operating the Typhoon force from (i) RAF Lossiemouth and (ii) RAF Leuchars over a 25-year period have been refined further during detailed planning for the implementation of the Basing Review; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 11 December 2012, c245W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Planning for the transfer of the Typhoon force from RAF Leuchars is ongoing. An assessment study is under way to identify and refine the infrastructure costs of operating the Typhoon force from RAF Lossiemouth.
There are no plans to update the comparative costs of operating the Typhoon from the respective sites over 25 years.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many reports have been made of illegal incursions of Spanish vessels in the territorial waters of Gibraltar in each of the last two years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 11 December 2012, c246W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
There were 67 recorded instances of unlawful incursions by Spanish state vessels in British Gibraltar territorial waters during 2010 and 23 in 2011. There have been 197 between 1 January and 30 November this year.
One of the Ministry of Defence’s roles in Gibraltar is to help maintain the United Kingdom’s sovereignty over British Gibraltar territorial waters. In support of this, the Royal Navy challenges unlawful maritime incursions. These challenges are subsequently pursued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office through formal diplomatic protests to the Spanish Government.
Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Royal Navy plans to purchase Future Air-to-Surface Guided Weapons (a) heavy and (b) light; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 11 December 2012, c246W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Main investment decisions are planned for both missiles in 2013.
Alistair Darling (Edinburgh South West, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make a decision on the future of Dreghorn and Redford Barracks in Edinburgh and on the development at Kirknewton; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 11 December 2012, c246W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The Chancellor’s autumn statement of 5 December 2012, Hansard, columns 871-82, has introduced some additional factors that will need to be taken into account—such as new arrangements for accessing private finance, which could be used to support the Basing strategy. The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend Mr Hammond, has therefore taken the decision to postpone the planned announcement until next year.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence where the Bowline 13 Exercise will take place; what the purpose of the exercise is; and if he will estimate the (a) number of personnel that will be involved and (b) cost to the public purse.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 11 December 2012, c247W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Exercise Bowline 13 will be held at the Royal Naval Armament Depot at Coulport. It is a Level 1 Nuclear Emergency Response Exercise and is conducted on a three-yearly cycle under the Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Public Information Regulations legislation.
The exercise will involve approximately 600 personnel for varying lengths of time, most for a short period.
There will be no additional cost to the public purse resulting from this exercise as it will be conducted during normal working hours.
Menzies Campbell (North East Fife, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 15 December 2011, Official Report, column 868W, on RAF Leuchars, whether work to determine what alterations are required to RAF Leuchars to transform it to an operational Army base and the cost of such alterations has been completed; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 11 December 2012, c248W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The Chancellor’s autumn statement 5 December 2012, Hansard, columns 871-882, introduced some additional factors that will need to be taken into account in the future basing strategy for Defence, such as the new arrangements for accessing Private Finance. The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend Mr Hammond, has therefore taken the decision to postpone the planned announcement on basing until next year.
It is therefore too early to confirm what specific alterations would be required at a site or what the associated costs would be as these are dependent upon the types of Army units which will occupy the site.
Menzies Campbell (North East Fife, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) when he plans to make an announcement on the future use of RAF Leuchars by his Department;
(2) what his plans are for the future of the units currently based at RAF Leuchars; and if he will make a statement;
(3) whether he has taken a decision on whether to retain an operational runway at Leuchars in the event of the transformation of the base into an Army base.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 11 December 2012, c248W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend Mr Osborne autumn statement on 5 December 2012 has introduced some additional factors that will need to be taken into account—such as new arrangements for accessing private finance, which could be used to support the Basing strategy. The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend Mr Hammond, has therefore taken the decision to postpone the planned announcement until next year. It is therefore too early at this time to confirm the future of any specific site or unit.
Menzies Campbell (North East Fife, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer of 19 October 2011, Official Report, column 993W, on RAF Leuchars, what (a) sustainability and (b) other environmental studies have been carried out as part of the ongoing re-basing process.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 11 December 2012, c248W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Sustainability appraisals and associated action plans are being developed for all sites affected by basing changes, including RAF Leuchars. It is too early at this time to comment on specific details.
Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of any capability gaps in maritime surveillance following the withdrawal of the Type 22 frigates; and what steps his Department is taking to address any such gaps.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 11 December 2012, c249W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The Type 22 frigates were fitted with equipment that provided maritime surveillance capabilities in a number of areas. Maritime surveillance is delivered from a range of platforms in a layered approach: capabilities in these areas can be provided by other Defence assets.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which equipment platforms presently in Afghanistan will remain post-2014; and who will fund their running costs.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 12 December 2012, c363W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
No decisions have yet been taken on what, if any, equipment platforms will remain in Afghanistan post-2014.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what equipment platforms are in Afghanistan.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 12 December 2012, c363W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
In Afghanistan, we currently have a range of protected mobility vehicles including Warrior, Ridgback and the recently delivered Foxhound, as well as other specialist vehicles including heavy equipment transporters and mobile artillery. A variety of aircraft are based in or operate into and out of Afghanistan, including the Tornado GR4, Hercules C130, Apache and Chinooks, as well as remotely piloted systems such as Reaper and a variety of smaller systems. Equipment will be progressively withdrawn from Afghanistan as transition to an Afghan security lead proceeds, with the balance of equipment capability available to commanders kept under careful review.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on which UK assets Afghan National Army personnel are trained to operate independently.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 12 December 2012, c363W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Small numbers of Afghan National Army personnel are routinely trained on UK equipment that they are loaned for partnered and independent operations. This aids their operational capability, including providing force protection for international security assistance force troops. Afghan personnel are trained to operate UK metal detectors, some Global Positioning Systems, night vision and radio equipment.
David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason his Department changed the classification of the witness statement that was released to the High Court on 29 November 2012 in the case of Serdar Mohammed.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 12 December 2012, c363W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The witness statement in question was originally made as a closed witness statement in 2010 in connection with an earlier case and included information which was considered sensitive at that time. When the Ministry of Defence was asked to release it in the Serdar Mohammed proceedings, the content was reviewed in accordance with the MOD’s responsibilities to disclose as much relevant information as possible. Because of changing circumstances some of the content was no longer deemed sensitive and therefore no longer required protection. Other information contained in the witness statement continues to be sensitive and has been withheld.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what ISTAR capabilities the UK has available and deployable.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 12 December 2012, c364W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Specialised Intelligence, Surveillance Targeting Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) platforms used by the UK that are currently deployable and available include:
Cortez—a system providing a suite of sensors to various levels of deployed bases.
Desert Hawk 3—a low level tactical unmanned air system (UAS) providing situational awareness and full motion video to troops in Afghanistan.
Hermes 450—a tactical UAS providing electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) imagery in Afghanistan.
Raptor—an imaging pod carried on the Tornado aircraft.
Reaper—an operational armed UAS providing EO/IR and Synthetic Aperture Radar capability.
Seer—a land deployed tactical signal intelligence equipment.
Sentinel—a radar surveillance manned aircraft providing Synthetic Aperture Radar and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) functionality.
Sentry—the E3 Sentry aircraft providing air command and control and situational awareness.
Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (SKASaC)—a radar fitted to Sea King Helicopter providing GMTI capability.
Keith Vaz (Leicester East, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his US counterpart on its policy of using drones to attack targets in Yemen.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 12 December 2012, c364W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The Secretary of State for Defence has regular and routine discussions with the US Defense Secretary on a range of issues. The UK Government’s position is that the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles against terrorist targets is a matter for the states involved. We expect all concerned to act in accordance with international law including taking all feasible precautions to avoid civilian casualties when conducting military operations.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he proposes that the cost of any UK military presence in Afghanistan post-2014 should be met by the Treasury Reserve or by his Department’s core budget.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 13 December 2012, c416W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The MOD expects that the net additional costs of military operations will continue to be met by the Treasury Reserve.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of BAE Systems’ quality assurance procedures for equipment purchased by the Royal Navy.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 13 December 2012, c416W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
In procuring equipment for the Royal Navy, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) mandates a series of defence standards, both for the quality management systems employed by industry and for product quality. Robust processes are built into procurement contracts, covering both design and build to ensure industry meets the MOD’s exacting quality standards. This includes the internationally recognised standard ISO 9001, to which BAE Systems is registered and certified. The MOD monitors contractors’ performance against those standards through a comprehensive system of surveillance, including intervention where necessary. Individual project teams are supported in their surveillance activities by the Defence Quality Assurance Field Force.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of corrosion and flooding on HMS Astute.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 13 December 2012, c417W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
All Royal Navy submarines undergo extensive preservation work during build to ensure that the risk of corrosion is minimised. After this has been completed each submarine is subject to a continuous, thorough corrosion assessment through its life. Some limited corrosion was found on certain areas on HMS Astute, but action is being taken to resolve this; neither the safety nor the operational effectiveness of the submarine has been or will be compromised.
Protection against flooding is paramount on submarines, and is a priority during all stages of design and build. All Royal Navy submarines are required to hold a Naval Authority Certificate for Submarine Watertight Integrity. Certification signifies that the Ministry of Defence’s Naval Authority considers that all foreseeable watertight integrity hazards have been identified and mitigated to levels that are as low as reasonably practicable and either broadly acceptable or tolerable, given any operating limitations or restrictions.
HMS Astute, like all Royal Navy submarines, has been designed such that the risk of flooding is minimised, and that, in the event of any flooding occurring, the crew is able to take action to mitigate its impact. HMS Astute has been issued with a full Naval Authority Certificate for Submarine Watertight Integrity.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the suitability of the Pressurised Water Reactor 2′s ability to power HMS Astute to its top speed.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 13 December 2012, c418W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Pressurised Water Reactor 2 is fully able to power HMS Astute, and all other Astute class submarines, at their designed top speed.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what correspondence he has had with BAE Systems on the faults found in sea trials for HMS Astute; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 13 December 2012, c418W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Ministry of Defence officials work closely with personnel from BAE Systems Maritime-Submarines on all aspects of sea trials for HMS Astute. This includes correspondence on a range of issues, including on the identification and rectification of faults and other problems that arise as is particularly to be expected with a first of class submarine, these being the main purpose for conducting sea trials.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what type of training took place during Exercise Prairie Thunder; what the cost was of that exercise; and how many personnel from (a) the US, (b) the UK and (c) Canada participated in the exercise.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 13 December 2012, c418W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Exercise Prairie Thunder is a 28 day exercise comprising live firing and tactical simulation across 2,700 square kilometres of Canadian prairie. Each exercise trains up to 1,800 personnel at a cost of £32.4 million. Four Prairie Thunder exercises are run in each year.
The current training year has seen the participation of 25 US personnel on Prairie Thunder 3, and approximately 100 Canadian Forces personnel on Prairie Thunder 4. The remaining personnel trained have all been UK forces.
The involvement of both US and Canadian troops on Exercise Prairie Thunder is seen as particularly beneficial, allowing all nations to exercise in a multi-national environment. The inclusion of Canadian troops on Exercise Prairie Thunder is part of a reciprocal agreement in which the UK send a light role company on Exercise Maple Lion (A Canadian Army exercise). The US inclusion meant that US helicopters were used as an integral part of a challenging exercise for which they did not charge for flying hours. In return, the UK provided fuel, food and accommodation.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which costs of Operation Ellamy were met from the Treasury Reserve and which were met from the core budget of his Department.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 13 December 2012, c418W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The Treasury Reserve bears all those costs incurred by the Department which would not otherwise have been incurred. This includes: costs of additional fuel and munitions; extra maintenance requirements; spares; the deployment and recovery of equipment and personnel from theatre including accommodation; operational allowances and theatre-specific training.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s core budget meets the costs of the base salaries of the service personnel and civilians involved in the operation; a base level of equipment usage, such as that which occurs during standard training; and the procurement costs of equipment which will stay with the MOD after the operation. The MOD does not calculate these costs for individual operations.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with which countries the UK has bilateral defence (a) agreements and (b) treaties; and if he will publish each such agreement and treaty.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 13 December 2012, c419W)
Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)
The UK has signed, completed and ratified when necessary, bilateral defence agreements and treaties with the following countries:
Argentina
Bahamas
Belgium
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
Cyprus
France
Germany
Guyana
India
Iraq
Kenya
Republic of Korea
Malaysia
Malta
Mauritius
The Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Poland
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Tonga
“Transjordan” (Jordan)
Ukraine
United States of America
USSR (Russia)
Yugoslavia
No formal distinction is made between treaties and agreements, which are both regarded as legally binding under international law. Not all defence treaties with the countries listed remain in force. This list also excludes those countries with which the UK has signed defence agreements and treaties that have not completed formal ratification and are therefore not yet in force.
Bilateral defence treaties signed since world war two that were subject to formal ratification have been laid before Parliament under the Ponsonby Rule, and since 2010, in accordance with the provisions of part 2 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010. Records of all treaties and formal agreements signed by the United Kingdom are retained by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and original signed treaties binding on the United Kingdom are held in the National Archives.
Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many project licences granted under the provisions of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 have been granted for procedures currently being carried out at the Porton Down facility; and what the severity level for each project is.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 13 December 2012, c423W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
At the present time, there are a total of 21 active project licences in operation at Dstl Porton Down. The overall severity band for these licences varies according to the nature of the work, but can be summarised as follows:
| Number | |
| Unclassified | 4 |
| Mild | 3 |
| Moderate | 6 |
| Substantial | 8 |
Dstl operates in strict accordance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act. All the research projects that involve animals are licensed by the Home Office. As part of the licensing process, the researchers have to convince the Home Office that the work is required, that the results cannot be obtained without the use of animals and that every step has been taken to minimise pain and suffering to the animals involved.
The Home Office, their inspectors and their independent Animal Procedures Committee (APC) make both announced and unannounced visits several times a year to ensure compliance with these guidelines. The MOD’s Animal Welfare Advisory Council (AWAC) was dissolved as it duplicated this work.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent on foreign military sales contracts procured by the British defence staff in the US in each of the last five years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 13 December 2012, c423W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Foreign Military Sales (FMS) is the process for foreign Governments and international organisations to purchase military articles and services from the US Government. The total value of committed funds under FMS during the past five years is $3,510,397,215. The yearly breakdown is as follows:
| Total cost (US Dollars) | |
| 2007 | 334,104,516 |
| 2008 | 949,564,775 |
| 2009 | 183,602,390 |
| 2010 | 1,189,515,596 |
| 2011 | 487,114,494 |
| 2012 | 366,495,444 |
| Grand total | 3,510,397,215 |
Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which animals have been used in scientific procedures undertaken under the provisions of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and commissioned directly by his Department in each year since 2009; and how many such animals were used in procedures at the Porton Down facility.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c601W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
DSTL research supports safe and effective protective measures for the UK and its armed forces which could not, currently, be achieved without the use of animals.
DSTL has a remit to undertake research on behalf of the UK Government. This can involve participation in International Collaboration Programmes with other allied nations on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. This collaboration results in burden sharing and means that our use of animals in research studies can be reduced below that which would be required if we were not to collaborate.
As part of the licensing process, the researchers have to convince the Home Office that the work is required, that the results cannot be obtained without the use of animals and that every step has been taken to minimise pain and suffering to the animals involved.
DSTL returns the numbers of procedures undertaken involving animals at DSTL Porton Down to the Home Office on an annual basis. The numbers of procedures returned for the last three years are:
| Number | |
| 2009 | 8,452 |
| 2010 | 9,582 |
| 2011 | 9,882 |
The animals involved were pigs, rabbits, monkeys and rodents.
The numbers of procedures for the 2012 calendar year is currently being compiled and will be returned to the Home Office towards the end of January 2013.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what operations have involved the deployment of UK armed forces personnel since 2010.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c604W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
holding answer 4 December 2012
I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17 September 2012, Hansard, column 453W, to Sammy Wilson, which details deployment of UK armed forces personnel on United Nations-led missions and operations in support of United Nations Security Council Resolutions in the last five years.
I also refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 27 November 2012, Hansard, column 162W, to Sir Nick Harvey, which details the deployment of UK armed forces personnel on operations alongside other European nations, including EU and NATO operations in the last five years.
I also refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 8 October 2012, Hansard, column 657W and the answer I gave on 5 December 2012, Hansard, column 768W, to Martin Horwood, which details the deployment of UK personnel on Common Foreign and Security Policy or Common Security and Defence Policy operations.
In addition, the table details significant(1) deployments of UK armed forces personnel, on national operations overseas, since 2010:
(1) This table does not cover training, exercise and capacity building deployments.
| Operation | Remarks |
| Atlantic Patrol Task (North) | Providing support to British Overseas Territories, Humanitarian Aid, Disaster relief and counter narcotics operations |
| Atlantic Patrol Task (South) | Protecting British overseas territories in the South Atlantic |
| Continuous At Sea Deterrence (Op Relentless) | CASD is the UK’s most enduring operation, providing a credible and capable deterrent for over 40 years. |
| Defence Presence in the Gulf(Op Kipion) | Maritime Security Operations in the Gulf and counter piracy off the Horn of Africa |
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 5 November 2012, Official Report, columns 438-9W, on armed forces: retirement, which of the retired service personnel listed in the answer have had meetings with Ministers in his Department after their official retirement date.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c606W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 4 December 2012
The following table shows meetings between Ministers and the 24 retired service personnel listed in the answer provided on 5 November 2012, Hansard, columns 438-39W:
| Minister | Date | Retired personnel | Purpose of meeting |
| Right Hon. Andrew Robathan(Min AF) | 27 November 2012 | Lieutenant-General Barnabas White-Spunner | Constituency meeting |
| Philip Dunne MP (Min DEST) | 25 October 2012 | General Kevin O’Donoghue | RUSI Acquisition Focus Group had meeting with Minister—Kevin O’Donoghue attended |
| Right Hon. Andrew Robathan MP (Min DPWV) | 22 March 2011, 20 July 2011 and 29 September 2011 | Vice Admiral Alan Massey | As part of the UK Hydrographic Office Owners Council |
| Right Hon. Mark Francois MP (Min DPWV) | 5 November 2012 | Air Marshal Chris Nickols | Minister met him in his capacity as chief executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund to discuss service, family, welfare and veterans issues |
Ann McKechin (Glasgow North, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of civil servants in his Department have requested (a) part-time, (b) job-share or (c) other flexible working arrangements in each of the last five years; and how many such requests were granted.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c608W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 10 December 2012
No information is held on either the number of requests made, or the number of civil servants working under flexible working arrangements.
However, the number of civilian staff who were granted part-time working arrangements, including job share arrangements, in the last five years is shown in the following table. The 2012 figures reflect the position to 30 November 2012.
| Number | |
| 2008 | 903 |
| 2009 | 801 |
| 2010 | 753 |
| 2011 | 663 |
| 2012 | 437 |
| Total | 3,557 |
As at 30 November 2012, there are 4,963 part-time civilian employees in the Ministry of Defence.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) civilian and (b) military staff have been employed at (i) COD Donnington and (ii) COD Bicester by Defence Equipment and Support in each year since 2005; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c613W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Figures for 2005 and 2006 cannot be supplied because Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) was not formed until 2007. The number of civilian staff employed by DE&S at the Central Ordnance Depots Donnington and Bicester, as at 1 April each year since 2007 is shown in the following table:
| (i) Civilian staff | ||||||
| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | |
| COD Donnington | 614 | 669 | 609 | 613 | 588 | 577 |
| COD Bicester | 866 | 832 | 719 | 756 | 656 | 613 |
Information on military personnel before 2008 is not held. The overall numbers of military personnel involved in COD tasks over the years 2008 to 2012 are shown in the following table:
| (ii) Military staff | |||||
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | |
| Donnington | 14 | 12 | 10 | 14 | 8 |
| Bicester | 66 | 48 | 56 | 54 | 40 |
| Total | 80 | 60 | 66 | 68 | 48 |
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to his Department was of military collaboration projects (a) in the EU, (b) with non-EU countries, excluding the US and (c) with the US in the last year.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c618W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Ministry of Defence expenditure on military collaboration equipment projects for the financial year 2011-12 is shown in the following table.
| Military collaboration projects | Expenditure (£ million) |
| EU | 2,503 |
| Non-EU | 27 |
| US | 481 |
Two projects include a collaboration of EU, non-EU countries and the US which have been included in the non-EU category above.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many detectives have been employed by the Ministry of Defence Police in each year since 2005; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c619W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence Police Criminal Investigation Department’s strength as at the end of March in each year is as follows:
| As at March each year: | Strength |
| 2005 | 148 |
| 2006 | 150 |
| 2007 | 162 |
| 2008 | 189 |
| 2009 | 182 |
| 2010 | 180 |
| 2011 | 165 |
| 2012 | 147 |
Gareth Thomas (Harrow West, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many and what proportion of senior civil servants have left (a) his Department and (b) each of the public bodies for which he is responsible since May 2010; what the rate of turnover of senior civil servants has been in (i) his Department and (ii) each such body since May 2010; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c625W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Between 1 May 2010 and 31 October 2012, 98 senior civil servants left the Department. This figure includes those that have retired, resigned, died in service or left on voluntary release terms. The figure does not include individuals who have permanently transferred to other Government Departments or who have transferred on temporary loan.
Turnover of staff is calculated on an annual basis and defined as the number of leavers divided by the average strength of substantive senior civil servants and excludes those on temporary promotion. The average strength of substantive senior civil servants during this period is 240.
The annual turnover rates for financial years 2010-11 and 2011-12 and the figures for the previous 12 months are as follows:
| Turnover (percentage) | |
| 1 May 2010 to 30 April 2011 | 7.7 |
| 1 May 2011 to 30 April 2012 | 25.3 |
| 1 November 2011 to 31 October 2012 | 24.0 |
Graeme Morrice (Livingston, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of staff were employed in his Department in each financial year since 2008.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c626W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The headcount for UK regular forces excluding Gurkhas, full-time reserve service personnel and mobilised reservists, is as follows, as of 1 April each year:
| Headcount | |
| 2008 | 186,910 |
| 2009 | 188,600 |
| 2010 | 191,660 |
| 2011 | 186,360 |
| 2012 | 179,800 |
The headcount for civilian personnel as of 1 April each year is as follows:
| Headcount | |
| 2008 | 93,670 |
| 2009 | 90,630 |
| 2010 | 89,970 |
| 2011 | 87,060 |
| 2012 | 73,960 |
The total headcount combining UK regular forces and civilian personnel as of 1 April each year is as follows:
| Headcount | |
| 2008 | 280,580 |
| 2009 | 279,230 |
| 2010 | 281,630 |
| 2011 | 273,420 |
| 2012 | 253,760 |
Military and civilian employment figures are published in the United Kingdom Armed Forces Quarterly Personnel Report and the Quarterly Civilian Personnel Report which can be found at:
http://www.dasa.mod.uk/applications/newWeb/www/index.php?page=48&pubType=1&thiscontent=240&PublishTime =09:30:00&date=2012-11-15&disText=01%20 October%202012&from=listing&top Date=2012-11-15
and
http://www.dasa.mod.uk/applications/newWeb/www/index.php?page=48&pubType=1&thiscontent=510&PublishTime =09:30:00&date=2012-11-08&disText=1%20October %202012&from =listing&topDate=2012-11-08
respectively.
Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff on casual contracts have been working in his Department for a period of (a) less than six months, (b) six months or longer, (c) 12 months or longer and (d) 18 months or longer.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c627W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 12 December 2012
The number of staff on casual contracts currently working in the Ministry of Defence is shown in the following table:
| Period of casual contract | Number of casual staff |
| Less than six months | 93 |
| Six to 11 months | 2 |
| 12 to 17 months | 1 |
| 18+ months | 0 |
Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many servicemen and women based in Plymouth (a) retired from and (b) otherwise left the armed services in 2011-12.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 17 December 2012, c628W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The following table shows the numbers of UK regular forces who were permanently based in Plymouth on 1 April 2011 and who subsequently left their service in the financial year 2011-12. Details are available for those who left voluntarily (voluntary outflow(1)), for those who completed their contract (time expiry) and for those who left for any other reason (other). We are not able to further break down the data to provide numbers for those who retired.
(1 )Voluntary outflow is defined as all exits from trained UK regular forces which are voluntarily generated by the individual before the end of their agreed engagement or commission period.
| Table 1: Numbers of UK regular forces (1) permanently based in Plymouth on 1 April 2011 who left service in the financial year 2011-12 | ||||
| Total | Army | Navy (2) | RAF | |
| Total | 840 | 30 | 800 | (3)— |
| Voluntary Outflow | 320 | 20 | 310 | (3)— |
| Time expiry | 141 | 10 | 130 | (3)— |
| Other | 370 | 10 | 360 | (3)— |
| (1 )UK regular forces includes all trained and untrained personnel. Gurkhas, full-time reserve personnel, and mobilised reservists are excluded. Due to the rounding methods used, figures may not always equal the sum of the parts. When rounding to the nearest 10, numbers ending in five have been rounded to the nearest 20 to prevent systematic bias. (2 )Naval service personnel on sea service are included against the local authority containing the home port of their ship. (3 )Fewer than 5. | ||||
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what military aviation collaboration projects his Department has taken part in with (a) EU countries, (b) non-EU countries, excluding the US and (c) the US in each of the last five years; and what the cost was of each such project.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 18 December 2012, c710W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Ministry of Defence expenditure on military aviation collaboration projects for each of the last five financial years is shown in the following table. The expenditure includes airframes, engines and other systems intrinsic to the aircraft. It does not include airborne weapons fitted to aircraft.
| £ million | ||||||
| Project | Collaborative partner : EU/non-EU/USA | F/Y 2007-08 | F/Y 2008-09 | F/Y 2009-10 | F/Y 2010-11 | F/Y 2011-12 |
| Tornado | EU | 362.0 | 383.0 | 383.0 | 368.0 | 429.0 |
| Typhoon | EU | 969.0 | 1,225.0 | 1,521.0 | 1,790.0 | 1,730.0 |
| Gazelle(1) | EU | (2)— | (2)— | (2)— | (2)— | 1.9 |
| Puma(1) | EU | (2)— | (2)— | (2)— | (2)— | 17.4 |
| A400M | EU | 168.0 | 228.0 | 356.0 | 144.0 | 113.0 |
| Hercules C-I30J In-service software upgrade | Non-EU | 15.6 | 15.6 | 12.3 | 17.8 | 19.0 |
| Harrier | USA | 198.0 | 182.0 | 203.0 | 108.0 | 0.0 |
| Lightning II | USA | 181.0 | 100.0 | 145.0 | 242.0 | 259.0 |
| Airseeker | USA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15.3 | 118.0 |
| (1) Information for financial years 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 is not available. (2) Not available. | ||||||
The Hercules C-130J in-service software upgrade project includes a collaboration of EU, non-EU countries and the USA. This explains the cost in the ‘non-EU’ category above.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department paid to (a) NATO, (b) the US Administration, (c) the US Treasury, (d) the Receiver General of Canada, (e) MAMSA, (f) NATO Consultation Command and Control Agency and (g ) SHAPE in each of the last five years; and what the purpose was of each payment.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 18 December 2012, c711W)
Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)
The total value of MOD payments made through Defence Business Services and the British Defence Staff (US Cash Office) to the organisations listed has been as follows in each of the last five years:
| £ million | |||||
| Organisation | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2 009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 |
| NATO | 28.4 | 55.3 | 79.9 | 65.6 | 61.9 |
| US Administration | 280.4 | 549.2 | 364.2 | 500.5 | 515.2 |
| US Treasury | 69.0 | 106.5 | 188.6 | 163.9 | 100.7 |
| Receiver General of Canada | 29.6 | 33.6 | 48.9 | 69.0 | 43.3 |
| NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency | 25.0 | 63.1 | 80.9 | 88.3 | 65.3 |
| NATO Consultation Command and Control Agency | 19.0 | 42.1 | 38.8 | 57.8 | 17.1 |
| Supreme Headquarters Europe | 37.0 | 70.8 | 69.1 | 51.1 | 59.1 |
All figures are exclusive of value added tax and are at current prices.
The payments to NATO, its agencies and the Supreme Headquarters Europe mainly represent the UK’s contribution to NATO common-funded military budgets, the amount of each payment being made in accordance with the cost-sharing formula agreed for each financial year. There are two distinct budgetary areas for common funding:
the military budget which covers expenditure of the NATO standing military headquarters and agencies; and
the NATO Security Investment Programme which covers expenditure for alliance capital investment costs (mainly infrastructure costs).
Expenditure in both these budgetary areas includes costs arising from alliance operations and missions.
Payments to the United States and Canada are for equipment, equipment support, and other commodities and services for UK armed forces.
Martin Horwood (Cheltenham, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what UK (a) military and (b) other personnel (i) have been and (ii) are deployed under Common Foreign and Security Policy or Common Security and Defence Policy operations; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 5 December 2012, c768W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
holding answer 18 September 2012
The UK has personnel, both military and civilian currently deployed on a number of missions and operations as part of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy activity. The current numbers for those operations and missions where the UK makes a contribution are as follows:
EUTM Somalia—EU training of Somali national security forces: two military;
Op Althea Bosnia—EU training and executive security force: six military;
EUCAP NESTOR—Regional maritime capacity building in the Horn of Africa: two civilians;
EULEX Kosovo—Executive and mentoring activity in the rule of law: 37 civilians;
EUMM Georgia—EU monitoring mission focused on 12 August and 8 September 2008 ceasefires: 17 civilians;
EUPOL Afghanistan—Training and mentoring of Afghan Ministry of Interior: 12 civilians;
EUPOL COPPS West Bank—Support to the Palestinian Authority on wider rule of law issues: four civilians;
EU JUST LEX Iraq—Strengthening Iraqi rule of law and respect for human rights: six civilians;
EUSEC DRC—Supporting Congolese reform of their armed forces, working towards national security and social and economic development: three civilians.
Details are not centrally held of UK military and other personnel deployed on previous CSDP missions and operations.
The information will take time to collate. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is available.
Substantive answer from Andrew Robathan to Martin Horwood:
In my answer to your Parliamentary Question dated 18 September 2012, which asked how many UK personnel have been and are currently deployed under Common Foreign and Security Policy or Common Security and Defence Policy operations, I undertook to write to you to provide a fuller response.
Please see as follows a table outlining current EU CSDP missions and operations and the UK’s seconded personnel contribution, both civilian and military staff. These figures denote staff currently and previously on duty and are correct as of 26 November 2012.
All Current EU Operations
| Operation | Commencement date | UK personnel contribution |
| EUFOR ALTHEA | ||
| Military Operation | 2 December 2004 | Military: 6 |
| Civilian: 0 | ||
| Military mission to support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s peace keeping efforts to maintain the safe and secure environment | Figure denotes military personnel currently on duty. Historical data not readily available | |
| EUNAVFOR—ATALANTA | ||
| Military Operation | 8 December 2008 | Military: 65 |
| Civilian: 3 | ||
| Mission to counter piracy and improve maritime security off the coast of Somalia and in the Indian Ocean | Figures for personnel also include those based at the OHQ at Northwood. As part of the UK contribution to OP ATALANTA the UK provides the Operation Commander—Rear Admiral Potts as well as around 50% of the OHQ staff. Figure denotes military personnel currently on duty. Historical data not readily available | |
| EUTM SOMALIA | ||
| Military Operation | 25 January2010 | Military: 2 |
| Civilian: 0 | ||
| Military mission to contribute to the training of Somali security forces | Figure denotes military personnel currently on duty. Historical data not readily available | |
| EUSEC RD Congo | ||
| Civilian Mission | 8 June 2005 | Civilian: 5 |
| EU advisory and assistance mission for security reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) | Figure denotes total seconded staff since the start of the mission | |
| EULEX KOSOVO | ||
| Civilian Mission | 14 December 2007 | Civilian: 82 |
| Mission to assist and support the Kosovo authorities in the rule of law area, with a specific focus on the judiciary | Figure includes police and denotes total seconded staff since the start of the mission | |
| EUBAM | ||
| Civilian Mission Moldova and Ukraine | 30 November 2005 | Civilian: 1 |
| Mission to help improve the capacity of the Moldovan and Ukrainian border and customs services to prevent and detect smuggling, trafficking of goods and human beings, and customs fraud, by providing advice and training | Figure denotes total seconded staff since the start of the mission | |
| EUMM GEORGIA | ||
| Civilian Mission | 1 October 2008 | Civilian: 34 |
| The mission aims to contribute to stability throughout Georgia and the surrounding region. Its main tasks including reducing tensions through liaison, facilitation of contacts between parties and confidence building measures | Figure includes police and total seconded staff since the start of the mission | |
| EUPOL AFGHANISTAN | ||
| Civilian Mission | 15 June 2007 | Civilian: 44 |
| The mission contributes to the establishment of sustainable and effective civilian policing arrangements under Afghan ownership and in accordance with international standards | Figure includes police and total seconded staff since the start of the mission | |
| EUJUST LEX | ||
| Civilian Mission Iraq/Brussels | 1 July 2005 | Civilian: 16 |
| The mission was established to strengthen the rule of law and to promote a culture of respect for human rights in Iraq by providing professional development opportunities for high and mid-level Iraqi officials from the criminal justice system | Figure includes police and total seconded staff since the start of the mission |
| EUCAP NESTOR | ||
| Civilian Mission | 17 July 2012 | Civilian: 2 |
| Mission to support regional maritime capacity building in the Horn of Africa and Western Indian Ocean States | Figure denotes total seconded staff since the start of the mission | |
| EUAVSEC South Sudan | ||
| Civilian Mission | 18 June 2012 | Civilian: 1 |
| The mission aims to strengthen aviation security at Juba international airport in South Sudan | Figure denotes total seconded staff since the start of the mission | |
| EUPOL RD Congo | ||
| Civilian Mission | 1 July 2007 | Civilian: 4 |
| The mission aims to develop a police force which interacts well with the criminal justice authorities and upholds legal standards | Figure denotes total seconded staff since the start of the mission | |
| EUCAP SAHEL Niger | ||
| Civilian Mission | 16 July 2012 | Civilian: 0 |
| Mission aims to support the fight against organised crime and terrorism in the Sahel region by training the Nigerian security forces to improve their control of the territory and regional cooperation | Figure denotes total seconded staff since the start of the mission | |
| EUPOL COPPS | ||
| Civilian Mission | 1 January 2006 | Civilian: 12 |
| The mission has a long term reform focus and provides enhanced support to the Palestinian Authority (PA) in establishing sustainable and effective policing arrangements | Figure denotes total seconded staff since the start of the mission | |
| EUBAM Rafah | ||
| Civilian Mission | 24 November 2005 | Civilian: 1 |
| EU Border Assistance Mission at Rafah crossing point | Figure denotes total seconded staff since the start of the mission |
Figures for civilian staff are those who have been seconded by HMG. These figures do not reflect those UK nationals who are directly contracted by the EU to work on various EU missions.
A fuller investigation into the records held by the Department has confirmed that the provision of any further information on completed missions would be at disproportionate cost, as this information is not held centrally. Should you have questions about a specific previous EU operation or mission I would be happy to provide you with more information. Furthermore, should you wish to visit the Department to discuss CSDP missions and operations I would be delighted for my officials to provide you with a suitable briefing.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many allegations of rape made by members of the armed forces concluded with charges being (a) brought and (b) dropped in each year since 2000; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 5 December 2012, c772W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The number of cases of rape reported by members of the armed forces which resulted in direction for trial, charges brought and the number which were not directed for trial are shown in the following table:
| Total number of referrals of rape allegations made by members of the armed forces | Directed for trial | Not directed for trial | |
| 2005 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 2006 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2007 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2008 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| 2009 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| 2010 | 6 | 1 | 5 |
| 2011 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 2012 | (1)9 | 5 | 3 |
| (1) To date—one yet to be directed/not directed. | |||
Information prior to 2005 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the Cadet Force establishment is in (a) West Sussex and (b) East Sussex in (i) schools and (ii) detachments.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 6 December 2012, c895W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Sea Cadet, Army Cadet and Air Cadet units in East and West Sussex do not have an establishment, however the figures for the number of cadets for the county of Sussex is shown in the following table:
| Cadet Force | Strength |
| Army Cadet Force | 1,287 |
| Air Training Corps | 762 |
Figures for the Sea Cadets are only available for the whole of southern area, covering Dorset to Kent, as far north as London, for which the strength is 2,710 cadets.
Combined Cadet Forces (CCFs) do have establishments. There are seven CCFs in West Sussex schools which are shown in the following table:
| Serial | School | Establishment |
| 1 | Ardingly College | 125 |
| 2 | Chichester High School for Boys | 122 |
| 3 | Christ’s Hospital | 255 |
| 4 | Hurstpierpoint College | 236 |
| 5 | Lancing College | 195 |
| 6 | Seaford College | 200 |
| 7 | Shoreham College | 125 |
There are four CCFs in East Sussex schools which are shown in the following table:
| Serial | School | Establishment |
| 1 | Brighton College | 310 |
| 2 | Eastbourne College | 335 |
| 3 | Longhill School | 75 |
| 4 | William Parker Sports College | 120 |
Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what investment in infrastructure and machinery was made by his Department in HMNB Devonport dockyard in each year from 2008 to 2010.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 6 December 2012, c898W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
holding answer 22 November 2012
The Ministry of Defence does not hold centrally details of how much has been invested in Her Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport in each year from 2008 to 2010. The information will need to be collected from the relevant teams and will take some time to collate. I will write to the hon. Member when the figures are available.
Substantive answer from Philip Dunne to Oliver Colvile:
On 26th November 2012, (Official Report, column 23W) I undertook to provide a substantive reply to your Parliamentary Question with regard to information about the amount of investment in infrastructure and machinery made by the Ministry of Defence at Her Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Devonport in each year from 2008 to 2010.
The information you requested is shown in the following table.
| Table of investment in HMNB Devonport | ||||
| £ million | ||||
| Investments | April 2008 to March 2009 | April 2009 to March 2010 | April 2010 | Total |
| Project Armada(1) | 19 | 20 | 2 | 41 |
| New Works and Floating Assets | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Functional Machinery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Long Term Fleet Time Docking Project | 9 | 3 | 0 | 12 |
| Nuclear Facilities Estate Investment | 33 | 44 | 3 | 80 |
| Defence Storage and Distribution Agency Plymouth | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total(2) | 63 | 70 | 5 | 138 |
| (1) The Armada project is a private finance initiative project that provides single living accommodation for 1,650 Royal Navy personnel. (2) The sum of the figures for the individual investments in the period from April 2008 to March 2009, when rounded to the nearest £ million, produce a variance of £1 million. | ||||
Kevan Jones (North Durham, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what meetings (a) the right hon. Member for North East Hampshire and (b) the hon. Member for Harwich have had with (i) Ministers, (ii) civil servants and (iii) senior military personnel in his Department since May 2010; and what was discussed at each such meeting.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 6 December 2012, c898W)
Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
The following table details the meetings which have taken place between Ministry of Defence Ministers and my right hon. Friend Mr Arbuthnot and my hon. Friend Mr Jenkin since May 2010.
| Date of meeting | Name of Minister | Name of MP | Purpose of discussion |
| 22 June 2010 | Right hon. Dr Liam Fox (SofS) | Right hon. James Arbuthnot MP | Introductory call |
| 24 November 2010 | Right hon. Andrew Robathan(Min DPWV) | Bernard Jenkin MP | Blueforces Ltd |
| 13 June 2011 | Right hon. Dr Liam Fox (SofS) | Right hon. James Arbuthnot MP | House of Commons Defence Committee (HCDC), Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) and National Security Strategy (NSS) issues |
| 14 November 2011 | Right hon. Philip Hammond(SofS) | Right hon. James Arbuthnot | HCDC, SDSR and NSS issues |
| 12 October 2011 | Peter Luff (Min DEST) | Right hon. James Arbuthnot MP | Nimrod MRA4 |
| 29 November 2011 | Right hon. Philip Hammond (SofS) | Bernard Jenkin MP | Defence issues |
| 31 January 2012 | Peter Luff (Min DEST) | Right hon. James Arbuthnot MP | White Paper National Security Through Technology Cm8278 |
| 1 February 2012 | Right hon. Philip Hammond (SofS) | Right hon. James Arbuthnot MP | HCDC issues |
| 24 April 2012 | Peter Luff (Min DEST) | Right hon. James Arbuthnot MP | Helicopter capability |
| 9 May 2012 | Right hon. Philip Hammond (SofS) | Right hon. James Arbuthnot MP | HCDC issues |
| 25 June 2012 | Nick Harvey (Min (AF)) | Right hon. James Arbuthnot MP | Defence issues |
| 16 October 2012 | Right hon. Philip Hammond (SofS) | James Arbuthnot MP | HCDC issues |
| 17 October 2012 | Philip Dunne (Min DEST) | James Arbuthnot MP | Introductory meeting with Chairman and HCDC members |
I also attended and spoke at the Electronic Infrastructure Summit chaired by James Arbuthnot on 14 May 2012, and spoke to him in the margins of the event. Records of this and other such meetings in the margins of events and the business of the House are not retained.
Information on any meetings between the two MPs and military and civilian members of staff is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many allegations of (a) rape and (b) sexual assault have been made against members of the service police in each year 2000; how many such allegations have been directed for prosecution; what the outcome was of those prosecutions; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 10 December 2012, c34W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The following tables contain the available information on rape and sexual assault allegations against members of the three service police forces as at 23 November 2012.
| Royal Military Police | ||
| Rape | Sexual assault | |
| 2000 | 0 | 3 |
| 2001 | 1 | 1 |
| 2002 | 4 | 4 |
| 2003 | 1 | 1 |
| 2004 | 0 | 2 |
| 2005 | 2 | 1 |
| 2006 | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | 1 | 1 |
| 2008 | 0 | 2 |
| 2009 | 3 | 1 |
| 2010 | 0 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 | 0 |
| RAF Police | ||
| Rape | Sexual assault | |
| 2000 | n/k | n/k |
| 2001 | n/k | n/k |
| 2002 | n/k | n/k |
| 2003 | n/k | n/k |
| 2004 | n/k | n/k |
| 2005 | n/k | n/k |
| 2006 | n/k | n/k |
| 2007 | n/k | n/k |
| 2008 | n/k | n/k |
| 2009 | 5 | 1 |
| 2010 | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | 1 | 1 |
| n/k = Not known | ||
The RAF Police and the Royal Navy Police are unable to provide data for the period before 2009 and October 2008 respectively as it is not held in the format requested, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Information on the number of allegations referred for prosecution and the outcome of those prosecutions could be provided only at disproportionate cost, before 2009.
Since 2009, no allegations against members of the Royal Military Police have been directed for prosecution by either the Service Prosecution Authority or the Crown Prosecution Service. Two sexual assault allegations against members of the RAF Police have been directed for prosecution. One was directed by the Service Prosecution Authority and is currently awaiting trial. The other was prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service at Crown Court in 2009 and resulted in a not guilty verdict.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many prosecutors
(1) employed by the Service Prosecuting Authority have expertise in handling cases of (a) rape and (b) sexual assault; and if he will make a statement;
(2) waiting for the Service Prosecuting Authority have attended courses provided by the Crown Prosecution Service relating to the prosecution of rape and sexual assault cases in each of the last six years; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 10 December 2012, c35W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA) has a prosecutorial team in the UK which is specifically set up to conduct cases involving rape and serious sexual offences. It currently comprises six officers who have had training and have the experience to conduct such cases as they arise. That training will include attendance on the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences course run by the Crown Prosecution Service.
In addition, the SPA in Germany has three officers who have had similar training and have the experience to conduct such cases.
The total number of SPA prosecutors who have attended the relevant CPS course are:
| Number of officers | |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 3 |
The SPA does not hold training records for the previous single Service Prosecuting Authorities.
Menzies Campbell (North East Fife, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many flying days were lost as a result of (a) adverse weather conditions and (b) other factors at each RAF station since 1 January 2011.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 11 December 2012, c243W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The information requested is not held centrally or in the same format by all RAF Stations and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Available information for entire days of flying lost in the period requested is shown in the following table.
| Flying days lost by each RAF station | ||||
| 2011 | 2012 (1) | |||
| Weather | Other | Weather | Other | |
| RAF Benson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| RAF Coningsby | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| RAF Cranwell | 24 | 5 | 21 | 8 |
| RAF Leeming | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| RAF Leuchars | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| RAF Linton-on-Ouse | 1 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| RAF Lossiemouth | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| RAF Lyneham | 0 | (2)0 | n/a | n/a |
| RAF Marham | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| RAF Odiham | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| RAF Shawbury | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| RAF Valley | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| RAF Waddington | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| (1) To date (2 )Closed June 2011 | ||||
Weather-related reasons which can preclude routine flying in peace-time include low cloud base and high wind, snow, ice and freezing fog. Certain stations with a key operational role have an enhanced level of snow and ice-clearing equipment enabling them to return to flying operations more quickly. Other reasons for lost flying days can include spilt fuel or debris on runways, bird activity, power outage, designated flight safety days.
Menzies Campbell (North East Fife, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what items of mission-specific Typhoon infrastructure have been installed at RAF Leuchars since 12 September 2011; and how much each such item cost.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 11 December 2012, c245W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The project costs of mission specific Typhoon infrastructure where funding has either been committed or installed at RAF Leuchars since 12 September 2011 are shown in the following table.
| Type of infrastructure | Cost (£) |
| Reinstate Southern Aircraft Surfaces Pavement (Funding committed and works ongoing to be complete by January 2013) | 100,000 |
| Southern Hardened Aircraft Shelters Upgrade to accommodate 1 Sqn (includes Pilot Briefing Facility) (Funding committed and works ongoing to be complete by March 2013) | 158,000 |
| Southern Hardened Aircraft Shelters Door Repairs (complete) | 90,000 |
| Note: All figures have been rounded to the nearest £000. | |
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which assets have been removed from Afghanistan as part of the draw down since 1 January 2010.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 12 December 2012, c362W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
holding answer 10 December 2012
Due to continually evolving operational needs, the requirement for support has been constantly reviewed throughout the UK deployment to Afghanistan. In response to these changing demands, a variety of assets have been removed from Afghanistan.
The major redeployment effort started on 1 October 2012 and will now continue in step with the progress made on the ground in transition terms. As of 30 November 2012 it had already delivered the following from Afghanistan:
| Type of asset | Number of units (1) |
| Vehicles | 60 |
| Major equipment | 40 |
| ISO containers or equivalent | 140 |
| (1) Rounded to the nearest 10 | |
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) what the cost to his Department was of military aviation collaboration projects in the EU in the last year;
(2) what the cost to his Department was of military aviation collaboration projects with non-EU countries, excluding the US, in the last year;
(3) what the cost to his Department was of military aviation collaboration projects with the US in the last year.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 3 December 2012, c613W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
Ministry of Defence expenditure on military aviation collaboration projects for the financial year 2011-12 is shown in the following table. The expenditure includes airframes, engines and other systems intrinsic to the aircraft. It does not include airborne weapons fitted to aircraft.
| Aviation collaboration projects | Expenditure (£ million) |
| EU | 2,291.3 |
| Non-EU | 19 |
| US | 377 |
One project includes a collaboration of EU, non-EU countries and the US. This explains the cost in the ‘non-EU’ category above.
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many foreign and commonwealth armed forces personnel there were in the UK armed forces, by country and service, in each year since 2000; and what proportion that figure represented of the total armed forces strength of each country in each year.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c223W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Consolidated figures for all three services are only available from 2007 onwards. The following table sets out the position as at 1 April each year.
| Services (1) | ||||||
| 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | |
| Naval | ||||||
| Non-UK | 1,310 | 1,010 | 990 | 990 | 900 | 800 |
| Australian | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Canadian | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Citizen of Fiji | 80 | 100 | 120 | 130 | 140 | 140 |
| Dominican | — | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Gambian | 10 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Ghanaian | — | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Grenadian | — | — | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Indian | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | — |
| Irish | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 70 | 60 |
| Jamaican | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Kenyan | 10 | 10 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Malawian | — | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| New Zealander | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 10 |
| Nigerian | — | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Saudi Arabian | 10 | — | — | — | — | — |
| South African | 70 | 80 | 80 | 90 | 110 | 100 |
| St Lucian | — | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Trinidad and Tobago citizen | 20 | 30 | 30 | 40 | 30 | 40 |
| Vincentian | 190 | 220 | 230 | 250 | 250 | 240 |
| Zambian | — | — | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Zimbabwean | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Army | ||||||
| Non-UK | 7,320 | 9,690 | 11,210 | 8,940 | 8,180 | 8,210 |
| Australian | 70 | 70 | 70 | 80 | 70 | 60 |
| Bangladeshi | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | — | 10 |
| Barbadian | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Belizean | — | — | 30 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Botswanan | 10 | 10 | 30 | 40 | 40 | 30 |
| British Commonwealth | 10 | 10 | 10 | — | — | — |
| Cameroonian | 30 | 50 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 80 |
| Canadian | 60 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Citizen of Fiji | 1,950 | 2,110 | 2,190 | 2,170 | 2,130 | 2,110 |
| Citizen of Seychelles | 10 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Citizen of Sri Lanka | 20 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 20 |
| Dominican | 20 | 20 | 20 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Gambian | 20 | 160 | 220 | 280 | 280 | 310 |
| German | — | — | 10 | — | — | — |
| Ghanaian | 780 | 870 | 920 | 940 | 890 | 890 |
| Grenadian | 50 | 60 | 120 | 140 | 130 | 140 |
| Guyanese | 20 | 20 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 20 |
| Indian | 60 | 90 | 100 | 110 | 110 | 130 |
| Irish | 210 | 230 | 240 | 290 | 340 | 390 |
| Jamaican | 910 | 720 | 600 | 540 | 460 | 420 |
| Kenyan | 130 | 140 | 180 | 200 | 220 | 240 |
| Malawian | 120 | 180 | 220 | 250 | 250 | 250 |
| Maltese | — | — | — | — | 10 | 10 |
| Mauritian | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| Nepalese | 30 | 50 | 310 | 440 | 460 | 530 |
| New Zealander | 60 | 60 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 60 |
| Nigerian | 90 | 130 | 160 | 190 | 200 | 220 |
| Pakistani | 10 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Sierra Leonean | 50 | 50 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| South African | 810 | 840 | 900 | 930 | 870 | 810 |
| St Helenian | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 10 | 10 |
| St Lucian | 230 | 210 | 240 | 300 | 280 | 270 |
| Swazi | 10 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Tanzanian | — | — | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Tongan | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Trinidad and Tobago citizen | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 60 | 60 |
| Ugandan | 60 | 70 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 90 |
| Vincentian | 270 | 240 | 370 | 350 | 330 | 330 |
| Zambian | 20 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Zimbabwean | 580 | 510 | 470 | 440 | 380 | 330 |
| RAF | ||||||
| Non-UK | 540 | 350 | 290 | 240 | 220 | 200 |
| Australian | — | — | — | — | — | 10 |
| Canadian | — | — | — | 10 | — | — |
| Citizen of Fiji | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Irish | 20 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 20 |
| Jamaican | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| New Zealander | — | — | — | — | 10 | 10 |
| South African | — | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Trinidad and Tobago citizen | — | — | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Zimbabwean | — | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| (1 )Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10, except for numbers ending in ’5′ which are rounded to the nearest 20 in order to prevent systematic bias. Totals may not, therefore, equal the sums of their parts. Note: The tables exclude full-time reserve personnel, Gurkhas and volunteer reservists, and individuals for which no nationality is recorded. | ||||||
Information on the armed forces of other countries is not held in a way which would enable us to make reliable calculations of what proportion these figures represent of the armed forces strength of each country in each year.
Robert Halfon (Harlow, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much (a) the armed forces and (b) his Department spent on petrol and diesel in each of the last five years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c232W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The majority of petrol and diesel consumed by the Ministry of Defence—90% during 2010-11—was purchased under the bulk fuel contracts managed by Defence Equipment and Support. Expenditure on petrol and diesel for road vehicles in each of the last three financial years is shown in the following table:
| £ million | ||
| Financial year | Unleaded petrol | Diesel |
| 2009-10 | 1.7 | 39 |
| 2010-11 | 1.2 | 52 |
| 2011-12 | 2.2 | 51 |
The combined expenditure on both unleaded petrol and diesel for road vehicles was £38.2 million in 2007-08 and £46.9 million in 2008-09.
Data on fuel purchased outside of these arrangements are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to the public purse was of his Department’s expenditure on the defence information infrastructure in each of the last five years; and what proportion of his Department’s IT expenditure such expenditure represented.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c232W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The cost to the public purse of the Defence Information Infrastructure, from its approved funding, in each of the last five financial years was:
| Financial year | Cost ex-VAT (£ million) |
| 2007-08 | 487 |
| 2008-09 | 562 |
| 2009-10 | 651 |
| 2010-11 | 643 |
| 2011-12 | 633 |
The Ministry of Defence’s central financial systems combine the costs of IT with telecommunications, which does not allow IT costs to be readily isolated. Therefore proportionate information for each of the years above is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many recruits joined the Royal Naval Reserve in each of the last three years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 19 November 2012, c236W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The number of entrants to the Royal Marine Reserve and the Royal Navy Reserve in the last three financial years (FY) are shown in the following table:
| FY 2009-2010 | FY 2010-2011 | FY 2011-12 | |
| Royal Marine Reserve | 349 | 178 | 113 |
| Royal Navy Reserve | 339 | 313 | 198 |
Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people have served on tours of duty of longer than six months in Afghanistan; and what the (a) tour dates, (b) rank, (c) regiment and (d) reasons for the length of tour was.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c491W)
Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)
holding answer 19 November 2012
The Ministry of Defence does not hold this information centrally in the form requested, and in the interests of anonymity we do not release information of individual tours.
The MOD is able to confirm that at present around 110 posts out of 9,500 in Afghanistan are subject to tour lengths of longer than six months to provide continuity to the campaign. These posts are broken down as shown in the following table:
| Army ranks (or equivalent) represented | Length of continuity posting (months) | Number of personnel (to the nearest 10) |
| Staff Sergeant | 8 | 10 |
| Warrant Officer Class 2 | ||
| Warrant Officer Class 1 | ||
| Captain | ||
| Major | ||
| Lieutenant Colonel | ||
| Captain | 9 | 20 |
| Major | ||
| Lieutenant Colonel | ||
| Staff Sergeant Major | 12 | 50 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | ||
| Colonel | ||
| Brigadier | ||
| Major General | ||
| Lieutenant General | ||
| Major | 18 | <10 |
| Private | 24 | 20 |
| Lance Corporal | ||
| Corporal | ||
| Sergeant |
| Major | ||
| Lieutenant Colonel | ||
| Colonel | ||
| Major General |
Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for how many and what proportion of days, on average, staff of his Department at each pay grade were absent from work as a result of ill health in each of the last five years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 21 November 2012, c496W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The information requested is shown in the following table. Grade equivalent rates, used in Cabinet Office absence reporting, include non-industrial, industrial and trading fund personnel, but exclude Royal Fleet Auxiliary and locally engaged civilians for whom sickness absence data is not readily available.
| Grade (equivalent) | 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008 | 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009 | 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 | 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 | 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 | |
| AA | Total number of days worked(1) | 2,549,450 | 2,279,750 | 2,187,280 | 2,093,030 | 1,786,700 |
| Total number of days lost | 138,840 | 116,840 | 115,620 | 103,780 | 92,850 | |
| Proportion of days lost (percentage) | 5.45 | 5.12 | 5.29 | 4.96 | 5.20 | |
| AO | Total number of days worked(1) | 6,213,020 | 5,911,770 | 5,821,540 | 5,581,000 | 5,111,180 |
| Total number of days lost | 277,480 | 255,700 | 253,890 | 232,630 | 217,850 | |
| Proportion of days lost (percentage) | 4.47 | 4.33 | 4.36 | 4.17 | 4.26 | |
| EO | Total number of days worked(1) | 3,040,950 | 3,050,110 | 2,882,890 | 2,690,590 | 2,596,500 |
| Total number of days lost | 105,560 | 104,290 | 101,120 | 91,620 | 88,970 | |
| Proportion of days lost (percentage) | 3.47 | 3.42 | 3.51 | 3.41 | 3.43 | |
| HEO | Total number of days worked(1) | 2,503,210 | 2,607,200 | 2,584,840 | 2,541,890 | 2,489,830 |
| Total number of days lost | 64,950 | 64,240 | 64,730 | 68,970 | 65,740 | |
| Proportion of days lost (percentage) | 2.59 | 2.46 | 2.50 | 2.71 | 2.64 | |
| SEO | Total number of days worked(1) | 1,513,640 | 1,705,880 | 1,643,840 | 1,576,440 | 1,554,890 |
| Total number of days lost | 31,700 | 35,890 | 36,350 | 32,070 | 33,640 | |
| Proportion of days lost (percentage) | 2.09 | 2.10 | 2.21 | 2.03 | 2.16 | |
| G7 | Total number of days worked(1) | 471,680 | 670,360 | 654,870 | 626,390 | 607,160 |
| Total number of days lost | 7,240 | 9,810 | 10,670 | 10,490 | 9,920 | |
| Proportion of Days Lost | 1.54 | 1.46 | 1.63 | 1.67 | 1.63 | |
| G6 | Total number of days worked(1) | 162,500 | 189,110 | 182,640 | 173,560 | 173,260 |
| Total number of days lost | 1,930 | 2,070 | 2,560 | 1,970 | 2,170 |
| Proportion of days lost (percentage) | 1.19 | 1.09 | 1.40 | 1.14 | 1.25 | |
| SCS | Total number of days worked(1) | 67,520 | 71,900 | 71,660 | 68,270 | 63,070 |
| Total number of days lost | 670 | 660 | 580 | 610 | 400 | |
| Proportion of days lost (percentage) | 0.99 | 0.92 | 0.81 | 0.90 | 0.64 | |
| (1) Data presented reflects the current Cabinet Office definition, setting a maximum absence of 225 days per person, and excludes data for weekends, annual leave and bank holidays. Excludes personnel on zero pay. Source: DASA (Civilian) | ||||||
John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the budget was for the recruitment of consultants at his Department and its agencies in each of the last five years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 22 November 2012, c584W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
holding answer 5 November 2012
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) specifies its required output to be achieved at a particular price on consultancy contracts, as defined by the Cabinet Office. The MOD does not have a budget for the recruitment of consultants.
Consultancy expenditure as defined by the Cabinet for financial years (FY) 2005-06 to 2010-11 is shown in the following table:
| FY | £ million |
| 2005-06 | 261 |
| 2006-07 | 129 |
| 2007-08 | 120 |
| 2008-09 | 106 |
| 2009-10 | 79 |
| 2010-11 | 26 |
Expenditure on consultancy is now published annually in UK Defence Statistics and can be found at:
http://www.dasa.mod.uk/modintranet/UKDS/UKDS2011/c1/trans_sup.php
Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many RAF personnel are based at (a) NSA Menwith Hill, (B) USAF Lakenheath, (c) USAF Mildenhall, (d) USAF Feltwell, (e) USAF Molesworth, (f) USAF Fairford, (g) USAF Croughton, (h) USAF Barford St John, (i) Bleinheim Crescent and (j) USAF Barford.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c24W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The numbers of RAF personnel based at the stations listed are shown in the following table:
| Base | Number of RAF personnel |
| RAF Croughton | 1 |
| RAF Fairford | |
| RAF Welford | |
| RAF Barford St John | |
| Blenheim Crescent | |
| RAF Lakenheath | 1 |
| RAF Feltwell | |
| RAF Menwith Hill | 3 |
| RAF Mildenhall | 4 |
| RAF Alconbury | 1 |
| RAF Molesworth | 2 |
RAF Fairford, RAF Welford, RAF Barford St John and Blenheim Crescent are administered by RAF Croughton, and RAF Feltwell is administered by RAF Lakenheath; as such there are no RAF personnel based at these sites.
RAF Molesworth is also administered separately, by RAF Alconbury, although there are two RAF personnel based at RAF Molesworth.
There is no additional base at RAF Barford, beyond RAF Barford St John.
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel were injured while on army training exercises at (a) BATUS Canada, (b) BATUK Kenya and (c) facilities within the UK in each of the last five years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c25W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The following table shows the numbers of service personnel that were identified as receiving injuries while on training exercises at British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) Canada, British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) and within the UK. Across the same period a further 61 injuries have occurred within Canada and 49 within Kenya, the exact location of which are not specified.
| Location | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | 2009-10 | 2010-11 (1) | 2011-12 | Total |
| BATUS Canada | 72 | 92 | 68 | 222 | 103 | 557 |
| BATUK Kenya | 0 | 11 | 10 | 19 | 24 | 64 |
| UK | 437 | 712 | 733 | 1,000 | 817 | 3,699 |
| (1) The significant increase in reported accidents in 2010-11 was due predominantly to the introduction of a more comprehensive approach to accident reporting and for BATUS Canada a 50% increase in the number of training exercises that year. Therefore, the results for 2010-11 and 2011-12 are not directly comparable with previous years. | ||||||
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent incidents have been attended by the Royal Navy Fishery Protection Squadron.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c26W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Between 1 November 2011 and 1 November 2012 the Royal Navy Fishery Protection Squadron were engaged in the following incidents:
| Type of incident | Number |
| Routine inspections of fishing vessels within British fishery limits (UK economic fishery zone) to enforce UK and EU fisheries legislation | 1,195 |
| Infringements found for prosecution purposes | 312 |
| Miscellaneous fishing incidents | 2 |
| Non-fishing incidents | 2 |
| Search and rescue incidents | 10 |
Jim Shannon (Strangford, DUP)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to his Department was of winter training in Norway in each of the last five years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c26W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
Navy Command has incurred the following costs in respect of winter training in Norway:
| Financial year | Total (£ million) |
| 2007-08 | 6.06 |
| 2008-09 | 0.07 |
| 2009-10 | 4.20 |
| 2010-11 | 0 |
| 2011-12 | 0.38 |
Figures include costs such as travel and subsistence, clothing, equipment support, accommodation stores, in country living expenses and allowances, and fuel. Excluded are costs such as deployed ships’ costs service and civilian manpower, ammunition, and communication and information services which cannot be separately identified for this specific training.
Over the last five years, brigade level deployments to Afghanistan have resulted in a variation in the levels of participation in Norwegian training. This has led to lower or no costs in some years.
The Army’s Commando trained units and personnel also participate in the winter deployments and incur costs. It is not possible to split these costs out from the units’ wider budgets.
Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many days on average staff of his Department in each pay grade were absent from work as a result of ill health in each of the last 12 months.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 26 November 2012, c27W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes a robust approach to managing civilian sickness absence. Occupational health and well-being advice and support is available to all employees and line managers.
Sickness absence rates by average working days lost (AWDL) per full-time equivalent (FTE) employee in the MOD for the 12 months ending 30 June 2012 are shown in the following table.
| Grade (Equivalent) (1) | Average working days lost (FTE) (2,3) |
| Administrative Assistant | 11.68 |
| Administrative Officer | 9.68 |
| Executive Officer | 7.89 |
| Higher Executive Officer | 6.01 |
| Senior Executive Officer | 4.91 |
| Grade 7 | 3.80 |
| Grade 6 | 3.13 |
| Senior Civil Servant | 1.31 |
| Unknown(4) | 6.28 |
| (1) Equivalent civil service grades have been used to amalgamate MOD non-industrial, industrial and trading fund grades, according to Cabinet Office definitions. (2) Data presented reflect the current Cabinet Office definition, setting a maximum absence of 225 days per person, and exclude data for weekends, annual leave and bank holidays. Excludes personnel on zero pay.(3) Average days lost per FTE are calculated by dividing the total working days lost by a weighted average of the first of the month strengths for the period (the strengths at the start and end of the month receiving a weighting of 0.5 and the strengths of the interim months a weighting of 1). (4 )Unknown = when grades are not recorded on the personnel system. | |
A breakdown of the average working days lost per month is not available as the MOD calculates the figure over a rolling 12-month period to take account of any seasonality.
Nick Harvey (North Devon, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all the operations on which UK forces have served alongside the forces of other European nations in the last five years; and which countries participated in each case.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 27 November 2012, c162W)
Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire, Conservative)
The Ministry of Defence does not hold centrally information regarding which European nations have been deployed on operations alongside UK forces in the past five years. My officials will engage with EU and NATO to collate the necessary information and I will write to the hon. Member once the information has been collated.
Substantive answer from Andrew Robathan to Sir Nick Harvey:
In my answer to your Parliamentary Question dated 12 September 2012 (Official Report, column 454W) requesting to be provided with a list of all operations on which UK forces have served alongside other European nations in the last five years and which countries participated in each individual operation, I undertook to write to you to provide a fuller answer.
After further research, it has transpired that it would be of disproportionate cost to provide a comprehensive response to your request. However, provided below is a list of UN, EU and NATO operations and missions over the last 5 years in which the UK has deployed military or civilian staff.
| Operation/Mission | Date of Operation/Mission | Additional information |
| EUFOR—Althea | Since 2004 | EU Military Operation—Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia and UK.(1) |
| EUNAVFOR—Atalanta | Since 2008 | EU Military Operation—24 member states and 4 third states with ships/planes provided by France, Spain, Germany, Romania, Italy, Luxembourg and Sweden.(1) |
| EUTM—Somalia | Since 2010 | EU Military Operation—Belgium, Germany, Spain, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Sweden and UK.(1) |
| EULEX—Kosovo | Since 2008 | EU Civilian Mission—Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and UK.(1) |
| EUMM—Georgia | Since 2008 | EU Civilian Mission—Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia and UK.(1) |
| EUPOL—Afghanistan | Since 2007 | EU Civilian Mission—Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovakia and UK.(1) |
| EUJUST LEX—Iraq | Since 2005 | EU Civilian Mission—Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and the UK.(1) |
| EUCAP—Nestor | Since 2011 | EU Civilian Mission—Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, UK, Netherlands and Romania.(1) |
| EUAVSEC—South Sudan | Since August 2012 | EU Civilian Mission—Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Hungary, Sweden and UK.(1) |
| EUPOL COPPS | Since 2005 | EU Civilian Mission—Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia and UK.(1) |
| EUSEC—RD CONGO | Since 2005 | EU Civilian Mission—Austria, Belgium, Germany, France, Hungary, Italy, Luxemburg, Portugal, Romania and UK.(1) |
| EUPM—Bosnia | 2003 to June 2012 | Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK.(2) |
| MONUC/MONUSCO—Democratic Republic of Congo | Since 1999 | UN Stabilisation Mission—European Contributors of Military Personnel: Algeria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, France, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom. |
| UNMEE—Ethiopia and Eritrea | July 2000 to July 2008 | UN Mission European Contributors of Military Personnel: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom. |
| UNOMIG—Georgia | August 1993 to June 2009 | United Nations Observer Mission. European Contributors of Military Personnel: Albania, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland,, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Uruguay. |
| UNAMI—Iraq | Since 2003 | Currently no European Countries Participating. (As of 30 September 2012). |
| UNMIK—Kosovo | Since 1999 | Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Republic of Moldova, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. (Participating countries on 30 September 2012). |
| UNMIN—Nepal | Since 2007 | — |
| UNIPSIL—Sierra Leone | Since 1998 | — |
| UNMIS—Sudan | March 2005 to July 2011 | European Contributors of Military Personnel: Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and United Kingdom. |
| UNMISS—South Sudan | Since July 2012 | European Contributors of Military Personnel: Denmark, Germany, Greece, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and United Kingdom. |
| Ocean Shield—NATO Operation | Since October2009 | EU members that contributed: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom.(3) |
| ISAF—NATO Operation | Since 2001 | EU members contributing or that contributed: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.(3) |
| KFOR—NATO Operation | Since 1999 | EU members that contributed: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.(3) |
| Unified Protector—NATO Operation | March 2011 to October 2011 | EU members that contributed: Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom.(3) |
| Active Endeavour—NATO Operation | Since 2001 | EU members that contributed: Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom.(3) |
| (1) Correct for week commencing 22 October 2012. (2) Denotes country participation on 2 November 2012, information on past partners is not available centrally. (3) This list does not include countries that are in the process of acceding to the EU or are potential EU candidate members. | ||
Efforts to collate further information from partner nations and international organisations (including NATO and the EU) would require significant commitment and staff time and therefore would incur disproportionate cost. Should you have any specific questions about a particular mission I would be happy to ask my officials to provide further details. Furthermore, I would be delighted to host you in the Department to answer any questions that you may have regarding UK missions and European partners.
Angus Robertson (Moray, Scottish National Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to the public purse was of the Atomic Weapons Establishment’s Technical Outreach programme in each of the last three years.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c350W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The following table shows the payments made by the Atomic Weapons Establishment under its Technical Outreach programme. The figures cover the last three calendar years up to July 2012 which are the most recent figures available.
Payment (£)
2010 8,543,612
20118,543,741
2012 (to July 2012)4,580,715
Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) details and (b) breakdown is of his Department’s £162 million infrastructure investment at HM Naval Base Devonport from May 2010 to the end of September 2012.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c351W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
A detailed breakdown of investment by the Ministry of Defence in Her Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport is shown in the following table:
| Investments | Total (£ million) |
| Project Armada(1) | 49 |
| Devonport Landing Craft Collocation Project | 23 |
| New Works and Floating Assets | 6 |
| Functional Machinery | 2 |
| Long Term Fleet Time Docking Project | 6 |
| Royal Marines Haslar and Naval Service Recovery Pathway Extension (NSRPE)(2) | 1 |
| Nuclear Facilities Estate Investment | 75 |
| Total | 162 |
| (1) The Armada Project is a private finance initiative project that provides single living accommodation for 1,650 Royal Navy personnel. (2) Ministry of Defence is funding additional facilities in support of the NSRPE by renting Equality Act 2010 compliant cabins in modular buildings. It has funded the conversion of some of the conventional single living accommodation and the creation of additional rehabilitation gym space. The main contract, which will provide a new 60-bed accommodation block and new rehabilitation facilities including a hydrotherapy pool, is being funded by the Help for Heroes charity. | |
Nick Harvey (North Devon, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the names, dates and locations were of any nuclear weapons emergency exercises organised by his Department in 2011 and 2012; and what the names, dates and locations will be of any such exercises in 2013.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 28 November 2012, c351W)
Philip Dunne (Ludlow, Conservative)
The names, dates and locations of nuclear weapons emergency response exercises which took place in 2011 and 2012 and provisional dates for exercises scheduled for 2013 are shown in the following tables:
| Date | Location | |
| Exercises conducted in 2011 | ||
| Orange Eagle | 28 March to 1 April 2011 | RAF Hullavington |
| Sitex (A) 11 | 8 June 2011 | AWE Aldermaston |
| Bowline 11 | 5 July 2011 | RNAD Coulport |
| Osmosis 11 | 9-22 July 2011 | RAF Honington |
| Astral Climb/Senator 11 | 13-15 September 2011 | Prestwick Airport/East Kilbride |
| Sitex (B) 11 | 11 October 2011 | AWE Burghfield |
| Exercises conducted in 2012 | ||
| Orange Eagle | 19-23 March 2012 | Bramley Military Training Area |
| Astral Bend 12 | 27 March 2012 | Heyford Park, Oxfordshire |
| Sitex (A) 12 | 29 May 2012 | AWE Aldermaston |
| Sitex (B) 12 | 10 October 2012 | AWE Burghfield |
| Osmosis 12 | 15-25 October 2012 | RAF Honington |
| Astral Climb 12 | 15 November 2012 | Ouston Airfield, Northumbria |
| Date (provisional) | Location | |
| Exercises scheduled for 2013 | ||
| Astral Climb 13 | June 2013 | North Yorkshire |
| Bowline 13 | July 2013 | Scotland |
| Osmosis 13 | July 2013 | Suffolk |
| Sitex (A) | November 2013 | Berkshire |
| Astral Bend 13 | November 2013 | Avon and Somerset |
Jason McCartney (Colne Valley, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many current service personnel were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in England in (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c552W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The following table shows the number of UK service personnel who attended a Ministry of Defence (MOD) Department for Community Mental Health (DCMH) in England, with an assessment of PTSD(1).
(1) All figures are provisional as at 1 October 2012.
| DCMH | Number |
| 2009 | 77 |
| 2010 | 110 |
| 2011 | 142 |
The following table shows the number of UK service personnel assessed with PTSD by the MOD’s in-patient provider. In-patient facilities are based in the UK however, it is not possible to ascertain referral location, and therefore identify those referrals made in England only.
| In-patient provider | Number |
| 2009 | Less than 5 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 11 |
Individuals may have received more than one episode of care from 2009 to 2011 and could therefore be counted in more than one year.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford, Conservative)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of armed forces personnel were recruited from Scotland in the latest period for which figures are available.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c552W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The following table indicates the number of regular recruits, officers and other ranks who joined their respective service through Scottish careers offices.
Contribution to total recruiting from Scottish armed forces career offices (AFCOs) is the best information available. However, while broadly indicative, it should be noted that recruits can join the services at any careers office in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
| Percentage of total regular recruits starting phase 1 training from Scottish AFCOs | |||
| Royal Navy | Army | Royal Air Force | |
| 2011-12 | 7.6 | 10 | 7 |
| 2012-13 (to date) | 7 | 9 | 7 |
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many rape allegations were made by (a) female and (b) male members of the armed forces in each year since 2000; in how many of those cases (i) charges were directed for trial and (ii) trials were held; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c554W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
The information requested on the number of rape allegations made by female and male members of the armed forces in each year since 2000 is not held in the format requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
The number of cases of rape reported by members of the armed forces to the service police and referred to either the Single Service Prosecuting Authorities (up to 31 December 2008) or the Service Prosecuting Authority (from 1 January 2009) since 2005 and the number of those which resulted in direction for trial and trials held are shown in the following tables:
| Female | |||
| Rape referrals | Directed for trial | Trials held | |
| 2005 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| 2006 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2008 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| 2009 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 2010 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
| 2011 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 2012 to 22 November 2012 | (1)9 | (2)5 | 2 |
| (1) One yet to be decided. (2) Three awaiting trial. | |||
| Male | |||
| Rape r eferrals | Directed for t rial | Trials h eld | |
| 2005 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| tab=”yes2011 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2012 as at 22 November 2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
We do not hold details of cases investigated by the civilian police.
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) what thefts there were from his Department’s establishments in (a) April, (b) May, (c) June and (d) July 2012; what the value was of the items taken; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what thefts there were from his Department’s establishments in (a) July, (b) August and (c) September 2012; what the value was of the items taken; and if he will make a statement.
Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 30 November 2012, c562W)
Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
Items that have been reported as stolen from April 2012-September 2012 are shown in the following tables:
| April 2012 | |
| Items reported as stolen | Estimated value (£) |
| Drill, Jigsaws, Grinder | 235.00 |
| TV | 460.00 |
| TV | 900.00 |
| Body Armour | 400.00 |
| Cash | 2,500.00 |
| May 2012 | |
| Items reported as stolen | Estimated value (£) |
| Hard Drives and RAM | 400.00 |
| Brass indicator test plugs | 100.00 |
| Uniform tunic | 25.00 |
| DVD player | 100.00 |
| Discs | 24.00 |
| Welding equipment | 272.00 |
| Sat Nav | 170.00 |
| Copper hot water cylinders | 2,320.00 |
| Fuel Card | 121.00 |
| Winch | 2,000.00 |
| Ink cartridges | 560.00 |
| Respirator, Haversack, Helmet, Bergen with issued contents | 1,530.00 |
| Fluorescent light fittings | 600.00 |
| Day sack containing military clothing | 1,200.00 |
| SA80 components, lx live round and spent SA80 cartridges | (1)— |
| Radios | 100.00 |
| Electrical cable | 1,000.00 |
| Copper water tank | 200.00 |
| Brass blanking cap | 15.00 |
| Foul weather suit | 200.00 |
| Combat boots, desert boots, rucksack | 130.00 |
| Head torches | 135.00 |
| Uniform shirts, general purpose respirator | 400.00 |
| Brass hoses and couplings | 2,000.00 |
| Ratchet, socket set, file set, cordless drill | 70.00 |
| Boots, body armour, dry suits combat uniforms | 5,470.00 |
| (1) Value not recorded | |
| June 2012 | |
| Items reported as stolen | Estimated value (£) |
| Cash | 571.00 |
| Binoculars | 821.00 |
| Wheels, Tyres, Flat Kit, Valves | 3,373.00 |
| Toolkit | 541.00 |
| Copper piping | 1,000.00 |
| Fuel | 1,000.00 |
| Jacket, jumper | 150.00 |
| Vacuum cleaner | 70.00 |
| Bike | 428.00 |
| Brass | 500.00 |
| Socket set and pliers set | 160.00 |
| Sleeping bag, Bergen rucksack | 150.00 |
| Fire extinguishers | 200.00 |
| Dry, chilled and frozen foods | 800.00 |
| Saw | 500.00 |
| Fire extinguisher | 30.00 |
| Boots | 150.00 |
| Body Armour and plates | 134.00 |
| Sheets of Polythene foam | 276.00 |
| Jackets | 100.00 |
| Electrical testing kit | (1)— |
| Drill | 160.00 |
| Axle Stands | (1)— |
| Computer and monitor | 354.00 |
| Camcorder | 350.00 |
| Helmet | 100.00 |
| Computer drive unit | 175.00 |
| Drill | 188.00 |
| Water | 12,718.00 |
| Lead flashing | 250.00 |
| Ration packs | 440.00 |
| Pony | 500.00 |
| Fire safety gloves | 63.00 |
| Helmets | 300.00 |
| Combat Jacket, waterproof jacket, rucksack | 350.00 |
| Bergen, Sleeping bag, Bivvy bag, suit | 520.00 |
| Lead roofing | 10,000.00 |
| Inner compartments for toolbox | 100.00 |
| Rucksack, weapons cleaning kit, jackets, ear defenders | 80.00 |
| Fuel | 188.00 |
| Lead blocks | (1)— |
| Boilers | 200.00 |
| Mobile Telephone | 20.00 |
| 5KG dumbbells | 55.00 |
| Computer mouse | 15.00 |
| Brass Hose Nozzle | 100.00 |
| Indicator testing plug | (1)— |
| Jacket | 60.00 |
| Flight deck helmet | 170.00 |
| Copper and lead | 200.00 |
| Scrap metal | (1)— |
| Queens Diamond Jubilee medal | 150.00 |
| EZ bar and various weights | 70.00 |
| Ration packs | 620.00 |
| Laptop | 400.00 |
| Silver rose bowl | 245.00 |
| Chainsaw, circular saw | 1,288.00 |
| Toolkit | 659.00 |
| Mobile Telephone | (1)— |
| (1) Value not recorded | |
| July 2012 | |
| Items reported as stolen | Estimated value (£) |
| wii console and controller | 35.00 |
| Car seat assemblies, metal bar tools | 560.00 |
| Gas meters | 200.00 |
| Cash | 18,000.00 |
| Trousers | 170.00 |
| Scrap metal including old tools/tool boxes | 275.00 |
| Camcorders and camera | 1,000.00 |
| Drugs | (1)— |
| Women’s jumper, Women’s slacks, lanyard and scarf | 95.00 |
| Uniform and medals | 250.00 |
| Helmet | 120.00 |
| Cap | (1)— |
| Laptop | (1)— |
| Generator | (1)— |
| Lead | (1)— |
| Drain covers | (1)— |
| Lead | 5,000.00 |
| Keys | 500.00 |
| Marine ply sheets | (1)— |
| Flight deck helmet | (1)— |
| Lead flashing | 250.00 |
| Magazine pouches | 40.00 |
| Oxygen gas analyzer | (1)— |
| (1 )Value not recorded | |
| August 2012 | |
| Items reported as stolen | Estimated value (£) |
| Headsets | (1)— |
| Fuel | (1)— |
| Day sack | 10.00 |
| Fuel | 168.00 |
| Day sack | 50.00 |
| Printer | 150.00 |
| Fridge | 108.00 |
| Lancers | 80.00 |
| Bed quilt covers and polystyrene tiles | (1)— |
| Bag | (1)— |
| Aluminium fuel piping | 12,000.00 |
| Helmets, footwear, clothing and GPS devices | 160.00 |
| Bergen, boots and jacket | 150.00 |
| Copper piping | 1,000.00 |
| Various MOD clothing and equipment—rucksacks, combat clothing, boots, watches, batteries | 5,000.00 |
| Copper cable and copper piping | 4,000.00 |
| Copper boiler, radiators, fixtures and fittings | 1,400.00 |
| Lead flashing and lead downpipe | 200.00 |
| Tool bags and contents | 400.00 |
| Toolkits, LCD Monitors | 1,477.00 |
| Toolkit for repair of canvas | 947.00 |
| Cash | 750.00 |
| Ceiling spotlights | 100.00 |
| Steel Wired Armoured Cable and Drum | 4,000.00 |
| Weighbridge | 200.00 |
| Ration Packs, Helmets, Visors, Gloves Torches. | 2,900.00 |
| Brass from fire equipment, including nozzles, connectors, plugs and caps | 2,480.00 |
| First aid bag and contents | 50.00 |
| Electronic pulse monitor | 186.00 |
| Holdalls | 150.00 |
| Drill, carrier and batteries | 130.00 |
| Periodicals | (1)— |
| Mess dress, Waterproofs, trainers | 299.00 |
| Boots | 50.00 |
| Copper roofing sheets | 1,000.00 |
| Minor award vouchers | 50.00 |
| Oximising battery conditioner | 135.00 |
| Fuel | 1,300.00 |
| Medical knee braces | 2,000.00 |
| Sniper Belt and Mobile Pouches, Plate Carrier, Holster, disconnect kit, Knee pads | 500.00 |
| Uniform trousers and jacket | 150.00 |
| Tarpaulins from two 8 tonne vehicles | 200.00 |
| Twin head pump sets | 2,000.00 |
| Racing Bikes | 1,200.00 |
| Electrical multimeters and carry cases | 393.00 |
| Fuel and 18 Jerry cans | 860.00 |
| Projector | 1,364.00 |
| Respirator and rucksack | 150.00 |
| Boots, sailing vest, multi tool | 369.00 |
| Day sack | 10.00 |
| Cylinder pouch | 83.00 |
| 800 watt solar panel | 500.00 |
| Gloves, neoprene mask | 70.00 |
| Fire extinguisher | 50.00 |
| Work shoes | 33.00 |
| Mobile Telephone | 50.00 |
| Respirator, smock, combat shirt | 107.00 |
| Copper piping | 1,000.00 |
| Shirts, Windproof Smock, trousers | (1)— |
| Commanders pouch | 260.00 |
| Oil burner unit | 200.00 |
| Combat jackets, body armour and plates, helmet cover, boots, camelback , tropical uniform, jungle greens | 960.00 |
| Microwave oven | 50.00 |
| Military clothing | (1)— |
| Tyres and wheels | 1,003.00 |
| Rifle and sight unit | 1,166.00 |
| Aluminium | 26,000.00 |
| Bowman equipment | 8,853.00 |
| Sat Navs | 160.00 |
| Chainsaw, welder, Welder’s mask | 300.00 |
| Paving slabs | 138.00 |
| Padlocks | 3,280.00 |
| Flag | 270.00 |
| Bergen containing sleeping bag, helmet and jacket | 250.00 |
| Major spills kit | 1,200.00 |
| Toolbox | 300.00 |
| Smock | 100.00 |
| Drill | 35.00 |
| Landrover battery | 80.00 |
| Office clock | 15.00 |
| Wood router | 200.00 |
| Clothing and equipment including helmets | 1,500.00 |
| Socks, Liner sleeping bag, Net washing, Field packs, Sleeping bag, Compression sack jungle, Shoes Service, Boots, Liner Jackets, combat Jackets | 1,285.00 |
| (1) Value not recorded | |
| September 2012 | |
| Items reported as stolen | Estimated value (£) |
| Copper piping and fittings | 1,000.00 |
| Lead flashing | 3,500.00 |
| Boots | 160.00 |
| Outboard engines | 25,233.00 |
| Camouflage trousers, camouflage shirts, camouflage jackets | 380.00 |
| Galvanised shackles | 20.00 |
| Steel wired armoured cable | 2,000.00 |
| Sailing suits | 200.00 |
| Generator | 500.00 |
| Hallmarked Silver catering items, jugs, teapots, baskets etc. | 6,500.00 |
| Fuel | 599.00 |
| Metal detector | 1,771.00 |
| Viewing kit | 4,365.00 |
| Weights, kettle bells, medicine ball, push up swivel bars | 159.00 |
| Diving helmets | 20,958.00 |
| Flooring | 100.00 |
| Respirators | 5,380.00 |
| Sleeping tablets | 5.00 |
| Ceremonial tunic | (1)— |
| Brass fire fighting fittings and equipment | 1,900.00 |
| Navigational set | 1,012.00 |
| Generator set and ancillary items | 315.00 |
| 9×9 shelter general purpose and ancillary items | 535.00 |
| DVD, hi-fi and radio | 125.00 |
| Sleeping bag, sleeping bag cover | 55.00 |
| Copper | (1)— |
| Fuel | 1,160.00 |
| Belt, Locket union, Drill Boots; Sleeping Bag; Trousers, Socks, T shirts, Bergan | 242.00 |
| Body Armours, Helmets | 1,447.00 |
| DVD/audio kit | 1,364.00 |
| Helmet, Rifle cleaning kit, Water Bottle, Magazines; Ear defence, Jacket | 205.00 |
| (1 )Value not recorded | |
This data does not include ongoing investigations as disclosing this information may jeopardise these investigations. The months listed refer to the month in which the case was closed.
The loss of the Bowman equipment poses a minimal threat to security as the equipment cannot be used without additional user information.
The Ministry of Defence takes the theft of equipment very seriously and works hard to detect and deter theft. There are robust processes in place to raise awareness of the need for vigilance in all aspects of security and we actively encourage individuals to report theft. This work has resulted in a rise in the number of reports over the last year.
The military environment and supply chain represents a population of hundreds of thousands of people and many of the thefts identified will have taken place from areas open to the wider public. Reported theft represents only about 0.0015% of overall Defence assets.
Payment (£)20108,543,61220118,543,7412012 (to July 2012)4,580,715
Why the hell is Jim Shannon so interested in BATUS, is he looking for a Canadian holiday or something?
Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on the costs to service personnel of gym membership at BATUS in Canada.
Obviously, top of the agenda. See also Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View, Labour):
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what amount was spent by his Department on copier paper in each of the last three years; and what assessment he has made of the value for money obtained by his Department when purchasing copier paper.
Strewth. Although the pony one was funny.
Award for most pathetic answer:
Madeleine Moon (Bridgend, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the involvement has been of UK military personnel in the villages of (a) Al Aqaba and (b) Khirbet Tana in Afghanistan.
Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)
holding answer 20 November 2012
I assume the hon. Member is referring to Israel and the Occupied Territories. We have no record of deploying UK military personnel to either Al Aqaba or Khirbet Tana.
What bit of “in Afghanistan” doesn’t he understand?
More serious points:
Looks like Typhoon integration is going sloooowwly. Also, Airseeker is taking a while. We got rid of Nimrod, in part, because guaranteeing airworthiness of very old aeroplanes is difficult and expensive. We replaced it with older aeroplanes. Turns out the Just Buy American Pony is a lie. Richard North must be in tears.
I wonder what Tom Watson means about other states’ UAV developments?