Explosives and Propellants (Hansard, 20 December 1989)

§ Mr. Rogers
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the expenditure on explosives and propellants in each of the years since 1979.

§ Mr. Alan Clark
Expenditure related to explosives and propellants is not available as we purchase the great majority of these components as an integral part of ammunition, mines and bombs. Our approximate expenditure (VAT inclusive, in year cost) on those weapons, but excluding guided weapons and rocket motors, was:

Year £ million

1985–86 380

1986–87 395

1987–88 400

1988–89 350

Data for earlier years are currently in our archives. I will write to the hon. Member once the information has been retrieved.
246W

§ Mr. Rogers
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many explosive and propellant contracts were placed in the periods(a) January to July 1987, (b) July to December 1987, (c) January to July 1988, (d) July to December 1988 and (e) January to July 1989; and what are the values of those contracts.

§ Mr. Alan Clark
The value of the explosives and propellants purchased by the Ministry is not recorded separately. The approximate number and values of orders for ammunition and stores containing explosives and propellants, but excluding those for guided weapons and rocket motors and orders placed under international collaborative arrangements were:

Period Number of orders Value of contracts VAT excluded £ million

1 January 1987—20 June 1987 35 29

1 July 1987—31 December 1987 50 99

1 January 1988—30 June 1988 60 37

1 July 1988—31 December 1988 45 145

1 January 1989—30 June 1989 60 128

Year	£ million
1985–86	380
1986–87	395
1987–88	400
1988–89	350

Period	Number of orders	Value of contracts VAT excluded £ million
1 January 1987—20 June 1987	35	29
1 July 1987—31 December 1987	50	99
1 January 1988—30 June 1988	60	37
1 July 1988—31 December 1988	45	145
1 January 1989—30 June 1989	60	128