2 Feb 1999 : Column: 539
Written Answers to Questions
Tuesday 2 February 1999
DEFENCE
Air Squadrons
Mr. Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the location of the University of London and Cambridge University Air Squadrons. [69144]
Mr. Doug Henderson: The basing of Cambridge University Air Squadron and the collocated No. 5 Air Cadet Air Experience Flight, at Cambridge Airport, has been the subject of review to determine whether their operations could be undertaken more effectively at another location. At the same time it has been necessary to identify a new location for the University of London Air Squadron and part of the No. 6 Air Cadet Air Experience Flight task, due to increased helicopter operations at RAF Benson, their current location.
RAF Wyton has been identified as the most cost-effective and operationally suitable location for the two Squadrons and the Air Experience Flights. On current plans the transfer of these units will commence in September 1999.
Infra-red Technology
Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what investment his Department has made in infra-red technology for use in (a) the defence industry and (b) elsewhere in each of the last 10 years. [66661]
Mr. Spellar: Infra-red technology has a wide spectrum of defence applications, and information on the totality of expenditure specifically involving this technology is not available.
Service Personnel (Northern Ireland)
Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the aggregate total of British service personnel, including members of the Ulster Defence Regiment and RIR, who have served at least one tour of duty or have been employed for six months or more in Northern Ireland since August 1969; and how many service personnel have (a) lost their lives and (b) been injured in connection with their military duties and responsibilities in Northern Ireland. [67427]
Mr. Doug Henderson:
Since August 1969, the total number of soldiers who have served or are currently serving in Northern Ireland for six months or more is 152,769. The total number of officers who have served or are currently serving in Northern Ireland is 25,098. The latter figure contains tour lengths of three to four months as well as those of six months or more.
2 Feb 1999 : Column: 540
| Number | |
|---|---|
| Army(1) | 651 |
| RN (2) | 11 |
| RAF (2) | 4 |
| Number | |
|---|---|
| Army(3) | 6,076 |
| RN (4) | 163 |
| RAF (4) | 143 |
(1) Figures are from August 1969 to 31 December 1998 and relate to terrorist activity.
(2) Figures are from 1 January 1974 to 31 December 1998 and include injuries/deaths from all causes.
(3) Figures are from August 1969 to 31 December 1998 and relate primarily to injuries which were incurred whilst on duty; however, the manner in which data have historically been compiled means some injuries incurred whilst off duty may also be included.
(4) Figures are from 1 January 1976 to 31 December 1998 and relate primarily to injuries which were incurred whilst on duty; however, the manner in which data have historically been compiled means some injuries incurred whilst off duty may also be included.
Iraq
Mr. Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of civilian casualties in Iraq caused by military action since the conclusion of Operation Desert Fox. [68352]
Mr. George Robertson: We believe that the only military action since the conclusion of Operation Desert Fox which could have caused civilian casualties was an incident on 25 January. Coalition aircraft patrolling the Iraqi Southern No-Fly-Zone in accordance with their humanitarian mission encountered four Iraqi MIGs who were attempting to draw them into a pre-arranged Surface to Air Missile (SAM) trap and were fired at by Iraqi anti-aircraft artillery. US aircraft responded by attacking a SAM site and related air defence and communications systems north of Basra. The US has confirmed that a rocket propelled bomb went astray and landed in a residential district several kilometres from its target. It could have caused civilian casualties, but the US is still investigating and cannot confirm. I deeply regret any civilian casualties but must stress that the US acted in self-defence responding to a serious and immediate threat to the safety of coalition aircraft.
Aer Lingus Crash
Mr. McNamara:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library the documentation held by his Department on the crash of the Aer Lingus Viscount in the Irish sea on 24 March 1968, and the subsequent search and rescue operation; and if he will make this material available to the Irish Government. [67434]
2 Feb 1999 : Column: 543
Mr. Doug Henderson:
Copies of the UK report on the initial surface search and rescue operation for the Aer Lingus Viscount 712, and on the subsequent sea bed search and salvage operation undertaken at the request of the Irish Government, were placed in the Library of the House and given to the Irish Government in September 1998.
Mr. McNamara:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the naval vessels engaged in search operations for the wreckage of the Aer Lingus Viscount in the Irish sea from 24 March 1968 until the search was abandoned and in each case the dates on which searches took place; how many bodies were (a) recovered and (b) identified; where the wreckage was taken to be examined; and where the wreckage is currently stored. [67437]
Mr. Doug Henderson:
Details of British naval involvement in the search operation for the Aer Lingus wreckage are contained in the report which my department placed in the Library of the House in September last year. Although the report contains information on the recovery of bodies and wreckage, which were taken to Rosslare for examination by the Irish Authorities, it does not provide the identities of the dead. This, and the current condition and location of the wreckage, is a matter for the Irish Government.
Mr. McNamara:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library the recorded version or notes of the RAF briefing given to officers of HMS Penelope on 26 March 1968; and if he will make this material available to the Irish Government. [67436]
Mr. Doug Henderson:
We have no record of such a briefing having taken place. HMS Penelope played no part in the search operation after 25 March.
PDVN and Intranet
Mr. Mitchell: To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee how many hon. Members currently have access to (a) the PDVN and (b) the Parliamentary Intranet. [68434]
Mr. Allan:
There are currently 227 Members registered to access the PDVN in their own name. However, many Members have connected their offices by requesting access for one or more staff members but not for themselves. Analysis of all login IDs issued in the names of Members shows that 517 Members' offices currently have access to the PDVN.
2 Feb 1999 : Column: 545
Access to the Parliamentary Intranet is through the PDVN and is unrestricted, so the numbers are the same. All PDVN users have access to the Intranet.
Mr. Mitchell:
To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee if he will include hon. Members' website addresses in the Palace of Westminster telephone directory. [68435]
Mr. Allan:
When the production of the existing telephone directory is changed to a print out from the Serjeant at Arms/Telecomms database at the end of this year's summer adjournment, there will be an opportunity to include details of Members' web sites and e-mail addresses in the directory provided Members indicate their wish for it to be done.
Financial Services and Markets Bill
Ms Lawrence: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the future recognition requirements for recognised investment exchanges and clearing houses under the Financial Services and Markets Bill. [69148]
Ms Hewitt: The new Financial Services and Markets Bill carries forward the main features of the existing recognition and exemption regime for investment exchanges and clearing houses, which has worked well. In order to become recognised, such bodies must fulfil certain regulatory criteria. These are currently contained in the Financial Services Act 1986 and the Companies Act 1989. Under the new Bill the requirements will be set out in secondary legislation. Putting the recognition requirements in secondary legislation will make it easier to respond to any market developments in this area.
| Next Section | Index | Home Page |