§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to investigate allegations that secrets related to the latest generation of weapons were missing from the research establishment at Lavington, Wiltshire; if he will indicate the nature of the weapons involved; what progress has been made in the investigation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeubertI am aware of a recent newspaper article which contained such an allegation. However, while I can confirm that an Army warrant officer serving at West Lavington was arrested last September and charged with the theft of official documents; these concerned equipment which has been in service for many years. Ministry of Defence police investigations of this matter have now been concluded.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research contracts his Department has with the research establishment at Lavington, Wiltshire; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeubertNone. The proof and experimental establishment at Lavington is part of the Ministry of Defence.