§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what complaints he has received about misuse of public property and personnel at the royal armament research development establishment, Dundrennan; what action he has taken; what has been the outcome; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenA number of allegations were made in August last year by a Transport and General Workers Union representative concerning misuse of official property and labour at the Kirkcudbright range. The allegations were investigated by the Ministry of Defence police who concluded that there were no grounds for proceeding with criminal charges against the individuals concerned. It was evident, however, that there were a number of management deficiencies that should be rectified. Action has been taken to ensure that such deficiencies will not recur.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent staff changes there have been at the royal armament research development establishment, Dundrennan; what has been the reason for the change in each case; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenSince 1 April 1992 two MoD industrial grade staff have retired on medical grounds. As part of the current MoD staff reduction exercise these staff were not replaced. Changes in the contractors' staff are a matter for the contractor.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the ownership, management and staffing arrangements at the royal armament research development establishment at Dundrennan.
§ Mr. AitkenThe royal armament research development establishment at Dundrennan was transferred from the Defence Research Agency on 1 April 1992 to the directorate general of test and evaluation as part of the directorate of research facilities and ranges. It is therefore now an MOD establishment. The facility employs contractors for much of the work and the staff is therefore made up of both MoD and contractors' staff.