HC Deb 25 April 1988 vol 132 cc75-6W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make representations to the United States Army on its action in February in substituting civilian personnel for Ministry of Defence Police for the task of escorting ammunition lorries at Caerwent.

Mr. Freeman

No. I am satisfied with the current arrangements for the transport of ammunition to and from RAF Caerwent using civilian attendants, which meet the provisions of the Conveyance by Road of Military Explosives Regulations 1977.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by how much the cost of employing escorts for ammunition lorries from Caerwent base has been reduced as a result of the replacing of Ministry of Defence police by civilian personnel.

Mr. Freeman

The varying nature of the ammunition transport task at RAF Caerwent means that it is not possible to quantify the overall saving resulting from this change. However, the cost of employing a civilian attendant for this task is about half that of using a Ministry of Defence policeman.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training is required for escorts employed for the transport of ammunition by road.

Mr. Freeman

Drivers and escorts of vehicles used in the transport of ammunition by road are given training and instructions to enable them to understand the nature of the dangers to which the ammunition carried may give rise and the action they are required to take in an emergency. Such training and instruction is in accordance with the Conveyance by Road of Military Explosives Regulations 1977.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether civilian personnel have been substituted for Ministry of Defence police or military personnel in the work of escorting ammunition convoys from any bases under his control; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

Drivers and escorts of vehicles used for transporting ammunition, whether in convoy or not, may be military or civilian personnel according to circumstances. Ministry of Defence police do not normally escort ammunition convoys.