HC Deb 24 February 1970 vol 796 cc319-22W
Mr. Roebuck

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table setting out the tasks carried out in the Channel Islands by the Royal Engineers in 1968, specifying in relation to each task the number of officers and men employed, the total cost of their pay and allowances, the other costs involved, and the amount recovered by his Department.

Mr. Richard

The information requested is as follows:—

Alderney

  • Demolition of a water-tower.
  • Construction tradesmen's work in old people's homes, including in some cases laying of foundations to damp-course levels.
  • Concrete work and resurfacing of jetty in harbour.
  • Work on BRAYE slipway.
  • Rehabilitation in civil defence bunker.
  • Repair and improvement in hospital.
  • Road repair and trackway construction.
  • The unit concerned was 3 Squadron of 3 Division Engineers, consisting of 6 officers and 144 men.

Jersey

  • Three metal frame bridges 50–60 ft. long.
  • Three timber frame bridges 20–30 ft. long.
  • The unit concerned was 8 Field Squadron of 3 Division Engineers, consisting of 6 officers and 134 men.

Guernsey

Work started on Beaucette Quarry, full details of which have been supplied to my hon. Friend.

In the cases other than Beaucette Quarry the troops were employed on work in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table setting out in July 1968. The cost of pay and allowances was —11,000. All materials were supplied by the public authorities and there were no extra costs which would not have arisen in the normal course of training. No charges were therefore made.

Mr. Roebuck

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will now publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT an itemised financial account for the blasting of Beaucette Quarry, Guernsey, by the Royal Engineers.

Mr. Richard

The information requested is as follows:—

£
Use of Army Department transport 1,200
Use of Army Department equipments and material. 3,315
Movement of personnel and equipment 630
Other items including accommodation 765
Total 5,910

Mr. Roebuck

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in view of the fact that the Channel Islands do not contribute to the upkeep of the Services, he will in future require the civil authorities there to reimburse his Department in full for any tasks, save acts of mercy, carried out in the Islands.

Mr. Hattersley

No. I am satisfied that charges raised should be related to the training value of the tasks performed.