HC Deb 09 May 1988 vol 133 cc1-2W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list details of ammunition carried through the Newport, West constituency from the Caerwent base to Newport docks during 1987 and planned for 1988;

(2) if he will list the total tonnage of ammunition stored at and transported to and from RAF Caerwent in 1986 and 1987 and planned for 1988.

Mr. Freeman

No. It is not our practice to provide details of the storage of ammunition at particular sites or the movements of ammunition to and from these sites.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps in the interests of improved security to increase the proportion of ammunition moved from Caerwent by rail.

Mr. Freeman

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 18 April 1988 at column335.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the financial savings made or planned at the Caerwent base as a result of substituting of civilian escorts for Ministry of Defence police, reductions in the complement of Ministry of Defence police and new contracts awarded to private transport contractors.

Mr. Freeman

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 26 April 1988 at column76. Competitive bids are sought for the transport contracts at RAF Caerwent and the costs involved are commercially confidential.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the complement of Ministry of Defence police at RAF Caerwent for 1986, 1987 and 1988 and the planned future complement.

Mr. Freeman

It is not our practice to provide information of the sort requested.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what facilities are available at RAF Caerwent to breathalyse ammunition lorry drivers.

Mr. Freeman

There are no facilities available at RAF Caerwent to breathalyse ammunition lorry drivers.