§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on whose authority Mallet's mortar was removed from the MOD Royal Arsenal site in Woolwich; what consultations took place; what representations he has received; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenSince the 1980s, the Royal Arsenal has had an agreement with the Royal Armouries for the loan of Mallet's mortar and other artefacts. This agreement was revised in 1991 when the Royal Arsenal undertook to pay the maintenance costs of the Royal Armouries. It also stated that when the Royal Arsenal no longer required Mallet's mortar it was to be returned to the Royal Armouries. That has now been done and the mortar is at Fort Nelson, Portsmouth. I am not aware of any consultations, and have not received any representations.