HC Deb 06 April 1998 vol 310 c52W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what responsibility COMAX has for the payment of the costs of the Ministry of Defence Police at Pendine and other DERA bases; and what are the additional costs of that responsibility. [37908]

Mr. Spellar

This is a matter for the Chief Constable of the Ministry of Defence Police Agency. I have asked the Chief Constable to write to my hon. Friend.

Letter from Walter Bore ham to Mr. Nick Ainger, dated 6 April 1998: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the payment of costs for Ministry of Defence Police at Pendine and other DERA bases as this falls into my areas of responsibility as Chief Constable/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Defence Policy Agency. Negotiations are taking place between COMAX and the Ministry of Defence Policy on the terms and costs of the continued presence of the Ministry of Defence Police at six DERA sites. Until those negotiations are completed I am unable to answer the question. However, the costs for the services now provided meanwhile are being met by COMAX.

Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the demand from the customers of DERA ranges for depleted uranium firings; and if he will make a statement on the extent to which these facilities have been used to date. [36390]

Mr. Spellar

[holding answer 26 March 1998]Discussions with customers during the land ranges rationalisation study indicated the need to retain a depleted uranium firing capability in the UK. The firing facilities for depleted uranium rounds ats Eskmeals were last used in 1995.