HC Deb 01 April 1998 vol 309 cc548-9W
Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will contact the customers using the facilities at the firing ranges operated by DERA before coming to a decision on the transfer of work from Shoeburyness to Eskmeals. [36389]

Mr. Spellar

[holding answer 26 March 1998]: As part of the DERA land ranges rationalisation study, customers were and continue to be consulted about their future requirements for test and evaluation capabilities, the likely volume of the work, and the funding available for this work over the next five years. Once the current consultation phase has finished, all contributions will be considered openly and fairly before a decision is made on how best to meet the needs of the Department in the most cost effective way.

Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the future reductions in spending which will arise at DERA in Shoeburyness in consequence of the management reorganisations. [36386]

Mr. Spellar

[holding answer 26 March 1998]: The land ranges rationalisation study recommends changes that, in a full financial year, will produce savings in operating costs at Shoeburyness of some £8.9 million per year.

Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the expenditure involved in operating the DERA range facility at Shoeburyness in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what savings in annual administrative costs have accrued from management reforms in respect of the facility and from the changes introduced in consequence of the first stage of the reorganisation of the ranges. [36387]

Mr. Spellar

[holding answer 26 March 1998]: The cost of operating the Shoeburyness site in FY 1996–97, the last year for which full figures are available, was £21.1 million. The forecast cost for FY 1997–98 is £20 million. The changes made in staff numbers during October 1997, along with other efficiency measures at the site, will reduce operating costs by approximately £2 million per year. The level of saving achieved from October 1997 to date is consistent with this.