HL Deb 01 July 1991 vol 530 cc53-5WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will explain the nature of their responsibilities towards British troops who have been contracted to Royal Ordnance plc in Kuwait for dangerous work, and the nature of the responsibilities of that firm towards the troops while they are using their services.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (The Earl of Arran)

The soldiers of 21 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Squadron remain at all times under military command and MoD has the final say in the event of any disagreements about the type of tasks to be performed by the Royal Engineers. The deployment is being monitored by the MoD to ensure that, as far as is possible, the soldiers receive from Royal Ordnance the same levels of support they would normally expect to receive from the MoD. Royal Ordnance are responsible for meeting the full costs of this deployment, which does not simply cover EOD personnel but includes such elements as a medical team. In addition, Royal Ordnance are responsible for providing food, accommodation, in-country travel and the opportunity for rest and recreation weekends for all the military personnel concerned.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have been fully informed of the contract entered into by Royal Ordnance plc and the Government of Kuwait; whether, to their knowledge, Royal Ordnance plc is receiving commercial rates for soldiers' services; and whether they know what those rates are.

The Earl of Arran

Her Majesty's Government are not privy to the full terms and conditions of the contract between Royal Ordnance and the Government of Kuwait, which are a matter of commercial confidence. It is normal practice to charge commercial companies the full cost of military assistance.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Ministry of Defence required commercial rates from Royal Ordnance plc for the men's services; and if not, why not.

The Earl of Arran

It is normal practice to charge commercial companies the full cost of military assistance.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why they did not arrange for the Army to be the principal contractor with the Government of Kuwait, and to engage Royal Ordnance plc as sub-contractor when convenient.

The Earl of Arran

It has always been the intention of the Government that the vast majority of the clearance of unexploded ordnance from Kuwait should be undertaken by private companies rather than the armed forces. This follows the long-standing practice of not taking on work that British industry is well placed to do. 21 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Squadron have deployed to Kuwait as a temporary measure for a transitional period of four months to ensure a smooth handover to Royal Ordnance from the Royal Engineers, who were undertaking emergency humanitarian work for the Kuwaitis immediately after hostilities ceased, to allow Royal Ordnance and its sub-contractors to get established. I understand that Royal Ordnance's contract with the Kuwaitis will continue for about a year after 21 EOD Squadron is withdrawn at the beginning of October.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the insurance for the men being employed by Royal Ordnance plc is similar to that provided to the soldiers whose legs were blown off when on duty in Canada.

The Earl of Arran

Yes. All servicemen are eligible for benefits under the Armed Forces Pension Scheme and the Department of Social Security War Pension Scheme in appropriate circumstances.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why Royal Ordnance plc is not being required to provide full and comprehensive insurance cover for the men they are employing in what is understood to be dangerous work; whether the firm has recognised any liability to the Ministry of Defence in the event of the men being harmed or disabled in the course of its making use of their services; and if not, why not.

The Earl of Arran

The terms of the contract with Royal Ordnance plc provide that the Royal Engineers's Squadron will not undertake any task involving greater risk than that acceptable in peacetime operations elsewhere. This was taken into account when it was decided that the men concerned should receive the same benefits in the event of injury or death as any other soldier on a service deployment. Royal Ordnance plc have agreed to indemnify the Ministry of Defence against any claim for compensation, and to repay to the department any benefits or pensions granted.