HL Deb 24 July 1991 vol 531 cc61-2WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether in their knowledge Royal Ordnance plc is being successful in recruiting civilians to work in Kuwait; and if not whether British troops will continue with the work; and if so whether Her Majesty's Government will ensure that in the army's next contract with Royal Ordnance plc, the latter is charged commercial rates.

The Earl of Arran

I understand that Royal Ordnance are slightly ahead of target on recruiting the personnel they require to complete the contract they have been awarded by the Government of Kuwait. The contract between Royal Ordnance and the MoD stipulates that the duration of the deployment of 21 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron will be two weeks' preparation time, four months' working time and one week to recover to the UK. On this basis the squadron will be returning to the UK at the beginning of October, and there are currently no plans to extend the contract or to undertake a subsequent deployment.