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Written Answers to Questions
Thursday 15 June 2000
DEFENCE
Laser Range-finders
Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost to his Department was of the supply of 226 LH-40C hand-held laser range-finders to the Army; how many units have been purchased; which companies bid for this contract; if the bid by the Eloptro Division of Denel company was the lowest; and if he will make a statement. [124883]
Dr. Moonie: The total cost to the Department, including three years support, is in the region of £2 million, but the details are a matter of commercial confidentiality. Bids were received from four companies in November 1999: Eloptro, a division of Denel; Leica Geosystems Ltd.; Litton Laser Systems; and Simrad Optronics Ltd.
Following a detailed technical evaluation including extensive trials of all candidate equipment only Eloptro provided a compliant tender and this, therefore, was the lowest acceptable bid. A contract for the supply and support of the 226 systems was awarded to Eloptro on 23 March 2000. The unsuccessful companies have been given the opportunity for a formal debrief and, while all have indicated that they wish to take up this offer, only Leica have done so to date.
Type 45 Destroyers
Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the planned in-service dates for follow-on Type 45 destroyers; and if he will make a statement. [124993]
Dr. Moonie: On current plans, we expect that the first Type 45 destroyer will enter service with the Royal Navy in 2007 and that the last will enter service in 2014, with progressive deliveries between these dates. The delivery programmes for the ships have yet to be negotiated.
US Defence Trade Security Initiative
Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the benefits of the United Kingdom being granted special status under the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations; and if he will make a statement. [125380]
Mr. Hoon: We welcome the announcement of the Defence Trade Security Initiative made by the US Government on 24 May 2000. The proposed reforms to US defence export control arrangements should reduce munitions licensing process times in general and simplify many licensing procedures, particularly for NATO countries, Japan and Australia. They represent a significant step towards enhancing alliance interoperability and preventing the widening of the technology gap.
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The initiative includes a proposal for an International Traffic in Arms Regulations exemption for the UK and other close allies. This would enhance the ability of UK firms to compete in the US market; to benefit from US Research and Development expenditure; and give access to some of the most advanced defence technologies in the world. US defence companies are, of course, free to compete in the UK market.
We expect early discussions with the US to take this forward as part of the implementation of the UK/US Declaration of Principles.
Maritime Mining System
Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role DERA played in securing the contract by BAe Systems to be the supplier to the Australian Defence Force of the Stone Fish MKIII Maritime Mining System; and if he will make a statement. [125435]
Dr. Moonie: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 15 June 2000:
- I am replying to your parliamentary question about a contract secured by BAE Systems.
- I can confirm that DERA has had no role or involvement in the securing of a contract by BAE Systems to be the supplier to the Australian Defence Force of the Stone Fish MKIII Maritime Mining System.
- I hope this is helpful.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Market Research
Mr. MacKay: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department spent on opinion research in the financial year 1999-2000. [123049]
Mr. Mandelson: The Government are committed to consulting and involving the public to help inform policy formulation and the delivery of better quality public services. Both are an important part of the Modernising Government initiative.
The Government only commission market or opinion research when it is justified by the needs of the policy or programme and is the most economical, efficient and effective way to achieve the purpose.
During the financial year 1999-2000, the amount spent on opinion research was £658,521. This information is broken down as follows:
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Responsibility in respect of research carried out by the Northern Ireland Departments has been devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly and is no longer a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Mr. MacKay: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list opinion research projects undertaken on behalf of the Department in the financial year 1999-2000 itemising (a) focus group research, (b) quantitative surveys and (c) other market research surveys, indicating in each case (i) when and (ii) where the results were published. [123050]
Mr. Mandelson: The information for the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments has been placed in the Library.
Responsibility in respect of research carried out by the Northern Ireland Departments has been devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly and is no longer a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Demilitarisation
Dr. Godman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the demilitarisation measures taken in the past year; and if he will make a statement. [123506]
Mr. Ingram: Listed are normalisation measures taken during 1999.
- 24 to 26 January 1999--Vacation of Patrol Bases at Mullan Bridge, Roscor Bridge, Wattle Bridge, Clonratty Bridge, Gortmullan Bridge, Killyvilly and Annaghmartin.
- 3 February 1999--Demolition of Aughnacloy Permanent Vehicle Check Point.
- 8 February 1999--Demolition of V3 Permanent Vehicle Check Point (Hump).
- 12 February 1999--Demolition of V4 Permanent Vehicle Check Point (Muff).
- 26 February 1999--Demolition of V1 Permanent Vehicle Check Point (Letterkenny Road).
- 21 May 1999--Demolition of Fort Whiterock completed.
- 9 July 1999--Requisitioned land in Crossmaglen returned to the GAA.
- 3 August 1999--Demolition of Gortmullan Patrol Base completed.
- 5 September 1999--Vacation of Carrickfergus Base.
- 31 December 1999--Closure of Castlereagh Holding Centre.
The Royal Ulster Constabulary is also making increased use of soft-skinned and high profile liveried vehicles and beat patrols. Police officers increasingly wear fluorescent jackets and now patrol without military support in most parts of the Province.
In light of the lowering of the overall threat following the recent statement by the IRA the Chief Constable announced on 9 May further steps which will be taken within weeks to normalise security.
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A further review of possible normalisation steps will be conducted in three months time taking account of the level of threat prevailing at the time and the circumstances on the ground.
Laptops
Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in his Department have been (a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997. [123742]
Mr. Mandelson: The information requested is as follows:
- (a) None
- (b) Seven
Forms
Mrs. Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the net change in each year since May 1997 in the number of forms issued by his Department which (a) charities and (b) other voluntary organisations are required to complete. [123944]
Mr. Ingram: The answer to this question could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.
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