HC Deb 06 July 1989 vol 156 cc265-6W
Mr. Alan Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members there are on the nuclear-powered warships safety committee; and how many of them had previously worked(a) full-time, (b) part-time and (c) on a commission basis for his Department.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

There are currently 23 permanent members of the nuclear-powered warships safety committee (NPWSC), excluding the secretariat of two. Of these, five are currently employed full-time by this Department. A further seven MOD officials, who are not members of the committee, may attend or be represented at its meetings if the agenda includes items within their area of interest. Of the 18 external NPWSC members, five have previously worked as full-time MOD officials. The other external members have not worked for this Department, either part-time or on a commission basis.

Mr. Alan Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the running costs of the nuclear-powered warships safety committee are met.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The running costs of the NPWSC are met from public funds. In general, these costs are paid by the Ministry of Defence, although the expenses of the eight NPWSC members who are full-time employees of other public bodies are paid by their employers.

Mr. Alan Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the membership of the nuclear-powered warships safety committee.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

It is not considered appropriate to release the names of individual committee members, for reasons of personal security.

Mr. Alan Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether members of the nuclear-powered warships safety committee receive payment or expenses for their work from his Department.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Those members of the Nuclear-Powered Warships Safety Committee who are not employees of the Ministry of Defence or other public bodies receive a fee in line with those laid down in the scale of daily fees payable to members of Royal Commissions, advisory committees and similar bodies. All members may claim travel and subsistence expenses.