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Mr. Hanley : Irrespective of the base of operation, adverse weather sometimes affects range sorties and results in a failure to complete the planned exercise. However, these occurrences are kept to a minimum by the use of range controllers and weather check aircraft.
Mr. Harvey : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the possible impact of human error on the part of solo trainee pilots on weapons range training sorties from RAF Valley ;
(2) where weapons will be loaded for weapons range training sorties from RAF Valley after the closure of RAF Chivenor ;
(3) what assessment he has made of the possible impact of solo trainee pilots encountering unforeseen difficulties on average times spent on the weapons range in weapons range training sorties from RAF Valley, as compared to the existing pattern of sorties from RAF Chivenor.
Mr. Hanley : There is no intention to fly solo weapons range training sorties from RAF Valley. Should a decision be taken to close RAF Chivenor, aircraft from RAF Valley would load weapons at RAF St. Athan.
Mr. Harvey : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the possible impact of congested airways on weapons range training sorties from RAF Valley.
Mr. Hanley : The effect will be negligible as aircraft transiting between RAF Valley and RAF Chivenor--or RAF St. Athan--will not usually need to fly through civil airways.
Mr. Harvey : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the extra transit fuel costs of operating weapons range training sorties from RAF Valley instead of from RAF Chivenor.
Mr. Hanley : Because more efficient flight profiles can be used by aircraft flying to and from RAF Valley, the difference in fuel costs would be negligible.
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Combat Aircraft
Mr. Menzies Campbell : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the percentage reduction in Royal Air Force overall front line combat aircraft strength since 1990.
Mr. Hanley : Since 1990, the number of RAF front-line fast-jet combat aircraft--including those in operational conversion units--has reduced by about one third.
Civilian Personnel
Mr. Menzies Campbell : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total number of civilian personnel employed by the Ministry of Defence.
Mr. Aitken : The total number of civilian personnel employed by my Department on 1 April 1994 was 143,700.
Nuclear Co-operation
Mr. Menzies Campbell : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his French counterpart on future further nuclear co-operation.
Mr. Hanley : My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has regular meetings with Defence Minister Leotard at which they discuss a variety of issues, including nuclear co-operation when appropriate. I can confirm that exchanges with France on nuclear matters are progressing well.
RAF Manpower
Mr. Menzies Campbell : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the percentage reduction in Royal Air Force uniformed manpower strength since 1990.
Mr. Hanley : Between 1 April 1990 and 1 April 1994, the Royal Air Force total strength--including trainees--fell by 15.6 per cent. from the April 1990 position.
HMS Endurance
Dr. David Clark : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 11 May, Official Report, column 188, what consideration he gave before October 1991 to the replacement of HMS Endurance ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Hanley : The 1991 annual structural survey of HMS Endurance unexpectedly revealed a risk of hull failure in Antarctic or very cold conditions. The decision was therefore taken in August of that year to decommission the vessel. It had originally been assumed that HMS Endurance would continue in service until at least the middle of the 1990s, and planning for her replacement had therefore not commenced when this decision was taken.
As the Government were committed to maintain the programme previously carried out by HMS Endurance, a market survey was undertaken to investigate which suitable ships might be available to undertake the ice patrol task in the 1991-92 season. This survey identified MV Polar Circle as the only suitable ship, and she was accordingly taken up by the Ministry of Defence on a short-term bare boat charter while the requirement for a longer term replacement was being considered.
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Northern Iraq
Dr. David Clark : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 May, Official Report, column 130, if he will take all possible steps to ensure that the families of those United Kingdom service personnel killed in Northern Iraq on 14 April are satisfied with the information his Department is able to provide them on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Mr. Hanley : The United States investigation into the incident is not yet complete. Once completed, the results will be made available to the next of kin of the British service personnel as soon as possible. Both the United States and United Kingdom Governments are working closely to ensure that the families will receive as much information as possible.
Defence Costs Study
Dr. David Clark : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 May, Official Report, column 188, whether the publication of the broad outcome of the Defence costs study will include detailed information on reductions in logistical support ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Aitken : I hope to announce the broad outcome of the Defence costs study in July. Where it is possible to make public the detail of proposed changes to our logistic support services arising from the Defence costs study, as part of the announcement, I shall do so.
Royal Navy Hydrographic Service
Mr. Page : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is in a position to report the outcome of the Government's review of the Royal Navy's hydrographic service.
Mr. Hanley : The Government attach importance to a specialist hydrographic capability to provide effective support to Royal Navy operations in peace and war. We have consequently decided to upgrade the capability of the hydrographic service by the purchase of four new hydrographic vessels, which will be commercially designed with an improved technical capability. The new ships, which will be larger than the existing vessels, will be either leased or owned by MOD, depending on which option offers best value for money. Her Majesty's survey launch Gleaner will remain in service for the foreseeable future. We believe that the resultant squadron of five survey vessels will best meet the requirements of Defence, including the ability to respond to unexpected short-notice tasking. All the vessels will be manned by Royal Navy crews and will fly the white Ensign.
Army Base Repair Organisation
Mr. Page : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the key targets set for the chief executive of the Army Base Repair Organisation Agency for 1994-95.
Mr. Hanley : The chief executive of the Army Base Repair Organisation Agency--ABRO--has been set the following key targets for 1994- 95.
1. To complete the repair programme to the plan as agreed on 1 April 1994.
2. Implement an automated, full cost accrual accounting system by 31 March 1995.
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3. Within the overall total quality management (TQM) philosophy adopted by ABRO, to achieve ISO 9002 pre- assessment by 31 March 1995 in the HQ and all workshops.4. To complete the market test of ABRO services in the eastern district by 31 March 1995. (Subject to review and revalidation following the outcome of the Defence costs study recommendations). 5. To reduce by 5 per cent. the 1993-94 ratio of labour costs to hours of production by 31 March 1995.
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS
Iran
Mr. Simpson : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what practical measures Her Majesty's Government intend to take to combat Iranian terrorism ; and how the Government will act in concert with partners in the European Union and the United Nations in measures to tackle this problem.
Mr. Douglas Hogg : We are very concerned about reports of Iranian involvement in terrorism and have regular contacts with our partners in the European Union about how best to tackle this issue. We and our European partners have promoted resolutions at the UN General Assembly and the UN Commission on Human Rights expressing our concern, while the latter resolution also urged the Government of Iran to refrain from activities against members of the Iranian opposition abroad and to co-operate wholeheartedly with the authorities of other countries in investigating and punishing offences reported by them.
European Parliament
Mr. Winnick : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government will take steps to prevent neo- fascists from taking their seats in the European Parliament.
Mr. Heathcoat-Amory : All members of the European Parliament are democratically elected and therefore fully entitled to take up their seats.
Upper Limb Disorder
Dr. Marek : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the present number of civil servants taking legal action against his Department as a result of work-related upper limb disorders.
Mr. Goodlad : Three members of staff have initiated legal action against the FCO for alleged negligence in respect of upper limb disorders said by the claimants to be work-related.
Henderson Island
Mr. Dalyell : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to prevent damage by rats and tourists on Henderson island.
Mr. Goodlad : We are currently drawing up a management plan for Henderson island, in consultation with the Joint Nature Conservation committee, the governor of Pitcairn and the Pitcairn islanders, which will address the threats posed to Henderson's environment by rats and tourists. In the meantime, tourists visiting Henderson are obliged to comply with a number of regulations drawn up by the governor to minimise damage to the island's ecology.
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Cyprus
Mr. John D. Taylor : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of which international organisations Cyprus is a member and of which either Greece or Turkey is not a member.
Mr. Heathcoat-Amory : Cyprus is a member of the following organisations to which neither Greece nor Turkey belong : The Commonwealth
The Non-Aligned Movement
The Group of 77.
Mr. John D. Taylor : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the constitution of the Republic of Cyprus restricts Cyprus from joining any international organisation ; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Heathcoat-Amory : We understand that the constitution of the Republic of Cyprus does not restrict it from joining any international organisation.
Italy
Mr. Denis MacShane : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussion the British ambassador in Rome has had with neo-fascist politicians in the Italian Government regarding common positions in advance of the EU 1996
Intergovernmental conference ; and if he will make a statement.
Palestine
Mr. Elletson : To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance Her Majesty's Government are providing bilaterally and through the EC to support the Palestinians in the light of the Gaza-Jericho agreement signed in Cairo on 4 May.
Mr. Douglas Hogg : The following is the information :
United Kingdom aid to Palestinians
The United Kingdom intends to provide £70 million bilaterally and multilaterally to the Palestinians over the next three years. EC assistance
Much of our aid will go through the EC, which will provide 500 mecu during 1994-98, half in grants, half in EIB loans. Of the 50 mecu of grants for 1994, the United Kingdom was instrumental in stimulating a contribution of up to 10 mecu for the Palestinian police. The EC is also providing assistance for the Palestinian elections. Bilateral and other assistance
We are providing £6 million to UNWRA in 1994. In addition, the United Kingdom has put together a series of bilateral initiatives in areas where we have particualar expertise and which the Palestinians have identified as priorities. These include :
(i) Police Training
We are running two training courses for senior Palestinian police officers in June and July. We are considering offering further training in specialist areas such as riot control, forensic work and community policing.
We are providing 200 sets of riot control equipment.
(ii) Legal Assistance
We are providing expert legal help to the chairman of the Higher Palestinian Legal Committee.
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(iii) Assistance with the Palestinian ElectionsWe are helping with preparation for the elections--in addition to the EC assistance. We will provide monitors for them when they take place.
(iv) Financial Sector
The UK held a very successful seminar on financial markets in the Middle East on 28 and 29 April.
The Bank of England is offering assistance on central banking matters-- probably primarily training.
The UK has offered to provide consultancy services and other assistance to the commercial banking sector in the occupied territories.
We are undertaking a study of middle east stock markets. (v) PECDAR
The UK is ready to provide assistance to the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction--PECDAR.
(vi) Media Project
The UK is supporting the establishment of a Palestinian radio station.
(vii) Assistance to NGOs and Other Agencies
Under the ODA's special programme of assistance to the occupied territories, we are providing support for : a nurses training programme in Gaza ; work of British NGOs including medical aid for the Palestinians and Save the Children ; water resources management projects ; and training in institution building, with the British Council.
TRADE AND INDUSTRY
Mr. Karel Van Miert
Mr. Etherington : To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he last met the European Commissioner Mr. Karel Van Miert ; and what matters were discussed.
Mr. Neil Hamilton : My right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade last met Mr. Van Miert on 11 May 1993. They discussed the direction of EC competition policy and the European merger regulation.
Company Investigations
Mr. Austin Mitchell : To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) when the inspectors to inquire into the affairs of Brymore (Steels) Ltd. were appointed ; when their inquiry was completed ; what are the business connections of the inspectors ; what is the cost to the investigation ; how it has been disbursed to each inspector ; what reports have been published ; and when he will publish the final reports ;
(2) when the inspectors to inquire into the affairs of Andromeda Electronics Ltd. were appointed ; when their inquiry was completed ; what are the business connections of the inspectors ; what is the cost of the investigation ; how it has been disbursed to each inspector ; what reports have been published ; and when he will publish the final reports ;
(3) when the inspectors to inquire into the affairs of H. and C. Davis Company Ltd. were appointed ; when their inquiry was completed ; what are the business connections of the inspectors ; what is the cost of the investigation ; how it has been disbursed to each inspector ; what reports have been published ; and when he will publish the final reports ;
(4) when the inspectors to inquire into the affairs of Elliot Group of Peterborough Ltd. were appointed ; when their inquiry was completed ; what are the business connections of the inspectors ; what is the cost of the investigation ; how it has been disbursed to each inspector ; what reports have been published ; and when he will publish the final reports ;
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(5) when the inspectors to inquire into the affairs of Helmville Ltd. were appointed ; when their inquiry was completed ; what are the business connections of the inspectors ; what is the cost of the investigation ; how it has been disbursed to each inspector ; what reports have been published ; and when he will publish the final reports ;(6) when the inspectors to inquire into the affairs of Alarmount Properties Ltd. were appointed ; when their inquiry was completed ; what are the business connections of the inspectors ; what is the cost of the investigation ; how it has been disbursed to each inspector ; what reports have been published ; and when he will publish the final reports ;
(7) when the inspectors to inquire into the affairs of Brush Aggregates Ltd. were appointed ; when their inquiry was completed ; what are the business connections of the inspectors ; what is the cost of the investigation ; how it has been disbursed to each inspector ; what reports have been published ; and when he will publish the final reports ;
(8) when the inspectors to inquire into the affairs of Metalman Engineering Ltd. were appointed ; when their inquiry was completed ; what are the business connections of the inspectors ; what is the cost of the investigation ; how it has been disbursed to each inspector ; what reports have been published ; and when he will publish the final reports ;
(9) when the inspectors to inquire into the affairs of Reliance Plastering Ltd. were appointed ; when their inquiry was completed ; what are the business connections of the inspectors ; what is the cost of the investigation ; how it has been disbursed to each inspector ; what reports have been published ; and when he will publish the final reports ;
(10) when the inspectors to inquire into the affairs of Intervester SA were appointed ; when their inquiry was completed ; what are the business connections of the
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inspectors ; what is the cost of the investigation ; how it has been disbursed to each inspector ; what reports have been published ; and when he will publish the final reports ;(11) when the inspectors to inquire into the affairs of Phoenix Shipbuilders Ltd. were appointed ; when their inquiry was completed ; what are the business connections of the inspectors ; what is the cost of the investigation ; how it has been disbursed to each inspector ; what reports have been published ; and when he will publish the final reports ;
(12) when the inspectors to inquire into the affairs of Wilson-Mandelberg Ltd. were appointed ; when their inquiry was completed ; what are the business connections of the inspectors ; what is the cost of the investigation ; how it has been disbursed to each inspector ; what reports have been published ; and when the will publish the final reports ;
(13) when the inspectors to inquire into the affairs of Portcarne Holdings Ltd. were appointed ; when their inquiry was completed ; what are the business connections of the inspectors ; what is the cost of the investigation ; how it has been disbursed to each inspector ; what reports have been published ; and when he will publish the final reports ;
(14) when the inspectors to inquire into the affairs of Parsons, Sherwin and Company Ltd. were appointed ; when their inquiry was completed ; what are the business connections of the inspectors ; what is the cost of the investigation ; how it has been disbursed to each inspector ; what reports have been published ; and when he will publish the final reports.
Mr. Neil Hamilton : All the inspectors were Departmental officers and the costs of their investigation are not available. Decisions not to publish their reports were all taken in 1979 or the early 1980s. The further information requested by the hon. Member is as follows :
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Company |Date of appointment |Date of report
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Helmville Limited |25 July 1973 |13 November 1979
Brush Aggregates Limited |13 December 1974 |30 June 1980
Wilson-Mandelberg Limited |5 August 1975 |30 April 1980
Intervestor SA |10 November 1975 |31 August 1979
Portcarne Holdings Limited |20 January 1977 |27 November 1980
Alarmount Properties Limited |20 January 1977 |27 November 1980
Parsons, Sherwin and Company Limited |21 April 1977 |3 July 1980
H & C Davis Company Limited |8 February 1978 |<1>12 October 1978
|<2>23 December 1980
Phoenix Shipbuilders Limited |3 March 1978 |26 May 1982
Elliott Group of Peterborough Limited |16 May 1978 |<1>25 September 1979
|<2>16 October 1980
Andromeda Electronics Limited |28 June 1978 |1 September 1980
Reliance Plastering Limited |8 February 1979 |4 September 1980
Metalman Engineering Limited |19 September 1979 |15 May 1981
Brymore (Steels) Limited |19 September 1979 |15 May 1981
<1> Interim.
<2> Final.
Patent Office
Mr. Flynn : To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he intends to announce his policies on the future of the Patent Office.
Mr. McLoughlin : The Government are considering the report by Price Waterhouse which was commissioned as part of the review of the Patent Office. An announcement will be made to Parliament once the review is complete.
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Research and Development
Mr. Win Griffiths : To ask the President of the Board of Trade how he measures the success of investment decisions made by his Department through the research and development budget.
Mr. McLoughlin : All programmes supported by the Department's innovation budget are subject to regular monitoring and ex-post evaluation. Reports of completed evaluations are lodged in the Library of the House.
Mr. Win Griffiths : To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will list the schemes organised by his
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