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25 May 2004 : Column 1617W—continued

Offshore Wind Farms

Mr. Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to reduce the proportion of applications for planning permission for offshore wind farms to which his Department lodges objections. [174589]

Mr. Caplin: Departmental policy must be to maintain the integrity of operations, safety and the nation's defence systems. Objections are only raised when any proposed development would affect these key criteria. It is the Department's stated aim, wherever possible, to assist developers of wind farms, both on-shore and off-shore, to find solutions that will enable a development to proceed to the satisfaction of all parties.

Operation Telic

Mr. Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what improvements have been made to systems for combat identification in the light of experience gained from Operation Telic. [174603]

Mr. Ingram: The Ministry of Defence remains committed to improving combat effectiveness and minimising casualties by improving Combat Identification (ID). We already have a continuing programme to support our Armed Forces' Combat ID
 
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capability through investment in equipment, training and the continuous review of tactics, techniques and procedures. Following warfighting operations in Iraq the Department undertook a comprehensive review of Combat ID to identify the scope for improvements that could be made. As they become available, lessons from operations in Iraq will inform our approach to all elements of Combat ID capability.

In addition to our programme of continuous improvement and as a direct result of United Kingdom experience during the warfighting phase of Op. Telic, we have continued to deploy in theatre the United States Blue Force Tracking equipment. We have also provided air and ground platforms with systems that support identification in theatre. In addition, we are working on an agreement with the US for the exchange of information on situational awareness systems. Combat Identification devices for vehicles procured under Urgent Operational Requirement arrangements are also being used in routine training.

Radar Reflection (Aircraft)

Mr. Tam Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance he is offering to manufacturers of windmill blades in overcoming problems of radar reflection on military aircraft. [166940]

Mr. Caplin [holding answer 20 May 2004]: The Department of Trade and Industry in association with the Ministry of Defence, the Civil Aviation Authority and British Wind Energy Association, through the Wind Energy, Defence and Civil Aviation Interests Working Group have commissioned Qinetiq to investigate the feasibility of developing wind turbine blades that would be invisible to radar. The Department is also aware, through the same Group, that Sheffield University is investigating the technology for development of similar wind turbine blades. Additionally, the working group hopes to test software technology that can be applied to radar to mitigate some of the effects that are caused by wind turbine blades. MOD expects, in due course, to take a major role in testing this technology. MOD officials are available to meet with any manufacturers of wind turbine blades to discuss radar issues.

Rifleman Miller

Mr. Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures have been taken against those responsible for the attack upon Rifleman Miller of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Green Jackets in Ballykinler Barracks, County Down on 10 April. [175196]

Mr. Ingram: The alleged attack upon Rifleman Miller of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Green Jackets at Ballykinler, County Down on 10 April 2004 is still under investigation by the Royal Military Police. Until this investigation is completed and its recommendations considered it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this matter.

Royal Military Police

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the internal process is for the Royal Military Police Special Investigations Branch to
 
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evaluate the investigation of cases in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness; and what computer records are kept of conclusions drawn from internal evaluation. [174741]

Mr. Ingram: Headquarters Provost Marshal (Army) (HQ PM (A)) audits investigations to identify lessons learnt to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of investigations, and to improve the awareness of those who conduct, manage or supervise Royal Military Police investigations.

Additionally, Technical Evaluation Inspections are routinely conducted by the HQ PM (A) Inspectorate, to examine investigative processes and procedures and to conduct quality control audits of investigations conducted.

All Audit and Technical Evaluation Inspection reports are held on file at HQ PM (A), some electronically.

Support Vehicles

Mr. Laxton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations his Department has received from the United States embassy on behalf of US companies for the support vehicles contract; and if he will make a statement. [171576]

Mr. Ingram: We are support vehicle not aware of any representations from the United States embassy regarding the contract.

Typhoon Programme

Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much he estimates it will cost the United Kingdom to convert the Typhoon for a ground attack role. [175343]

Mr. Ingram: The Eurofighter Typhoon was planned from the outset to be a multi-role aircraft with an initial ground attack capability, progressively benefiting from enhancement to this and other capabilities as part of an
 
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incremental acquisition programme. The cost of these enhancements is currently being discussed as part of the wider, ongoing Tranche 2 negotiations. These negotiations could be prejudiced by the disclosure of cost estimates.

UN Operations

Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether British Forces will be subject to Iraqi law following the handover of power on 30 June 2004. [169385]

Mr. Hoon: Following the assumption of authority by the Iraqi Interim Government on 30 June, the intention is that the Multi-National Force including United Kingdom forces will continue to be granted immunity from prosecution under local law. The precise means of achieving this are still under consideration. Members of the Multi-National Force will continue to be subject to the jurisdiction of their sending states.

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which branch of the UK military are responsible for the running of prisons in Iraq; who is the head of this branch; and to whom he is responsible for making reports. [174356]

Mr. Ingram: The United Kingdom's only detention facility in Shaibah is currently being run by 1st Regiment Royal Highland Fusiliers, with members of the Military Provost, who report to the Commander Multi-National Division (South East).

Young Service Personnel

Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many 16 to 18-year-olds are serving in the (a) Army, (b) Royal Air Force and (c) Royal Navy, broken down by sex. [173773]

Mr. Caplin: I refer my hon. Friend to TSP (Tri Service Publication) 8: Age Distribution of UK Regular Forces at 1 April 2004.

This was published on 19 May 2004 and copies are available in the Library of the House.