§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) MOD police officers, (b) Royal Navy regulators, (c) Royal Military Police, (d) Royal Air Force Police and (e) other MOD personnel are working with Wiltshire constabulary on Operation Antler; what has been the cost in each year in each case; and if he will make a statement. [52411]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 25 April 2002]: The following table shows the numbers and costs (salary, travel and subsistence and other support costs) of MOD staff working with the Wiltshire constabulary on Operation Antler, since its commencement in August 1999:
(a) accommodation and (b) other facilities have been made available in each year since the operation began; and what the cost was to the Defence budget. [52406]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 25 April 2002]: During the last two and a half years, 22 members of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) staff have 533W assisted the Wiltshire police with the Operation Antler inquiry. Members of the inquiry team have been provided with areas in which to work and review documentation. Additional support facilities have also been provided to copy documents and review films.
The cost of Dstl support to Operation Antler has not been gathered separately. However, the total cost of Dstl effort in addressing issues arising from the Porton Down Volunteer Scheme, including those relating to Operation Antler, for the financial year 2001–02 was approximately £485,000.