HC Deb 11 February 1987 vol 110 cc293-4W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether, in any defence project since 1981, expenditure originally authorised or incurred under the heading of project definition has been subsequently attributed to either of the other two categories set out in his answer of 6 February;

(2) what is his practice regarding the attribution of project research costs to more than one project definition budget;

(3) if he will define the term project definition used in respect of the £10 million threshold for referral to the Comptroller and Auditor General in relation to the categories of expenditure referred to in his answer of 6 February.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The definition of -Project Definition" given in my right hon. Friend's answer of 6 February is the one used for deciding whether projects appear in the major projects statement. This does not include research costs. Project definition is a distinct stage for which separate approval is required: expenditure on that stage is separate from expenditure on full development or production.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what arrangements he makes to supply to the Comptroller and Auditor General information on significant projects of a national security nature where the project definition cost does not exceed £10 million and where the £250 million threshold is not expected to be exceeded;

(2) whether he has supplied to the Comptroller and Auditor General information on all projects of a national security nature where the project definition costs exceeded £10 million but where the projects' costs were not expected to, or did not, exceed £250 million.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

There are no defence projects which are not available for audit by the National Audit Office.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if, further to his answer of 6 February, he will list those matters discussed with Sir Frank Cooper at the occasions referred to in the course of 1986.

Mr. Younger

I do not recall discussing any specific matters with Sir Frank Cooper.