HL Deb 14 October 1991 vol 531 cc91-2WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will now answer Lord Kennet's Question, "why they did not arrange for the Army to be the principal contractor and to engage Royal Ordnance plc as subcontractor when convenient", given that Royal Ordnance plc was not at the time capable of doing the work in question.

The Earl of Arran

Further to the answer I gave the noble Lord on 1st July [Official Report, col. WA54], the noble Lord will wish to be aware that 21 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Squadron returned from Kuwait on 2nd October. I understand that Royal Ordnance's current contract with the Kuwaitis will continue until next September.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What rates of pay (estimated in the press as £1,500 a week) are being offered by Royal Ordnance plc to civilians to do the work currently being done in Kuwait by the Royal Engineers; and what are the rates of pay the British troops are receiving from the Army, which is then reimbursed by Royal Ordnance plc.

The Earl of Arran

The rate of pay offered by Royal Ordnance plc to civilians is a matter for them. British servicemen continue to receive their normal pay and allowances together with any applicable overseas payments, and these costs are recovered from Royal Ordnance plc.