§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contribution to the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of El Alamein was made by companies; and if he will identify the companies and amounts concerned.
§ Mr. Archie Hamilton[holding reply 27 November 1992]: The following companies generously provided sponsorship for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the battle of El Alamein:
- Alvis plc
- British Aerospace Defence Ltd.
- Perkins Engines (Shrewsbury) Ltd.
- Vickers plc
- VSEL
- Land Rover
- British Airways
Sponsorship was either in the form of a cash donation or the provision of a service in kind. Individual contributions are a matter for the companies concerned.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give full details of all official representatives of Her Majesty's Government who attended the Eighth Army Veterans Association 50th anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein held at Commonwealth cemetary, El Alamein on Sunday 25 October with, in each case, their travel and expenses costs.
§ Mr. Archie Hamilton[holding answer 27 November 1992]: Her Majesty's Government were represented at the El Alamein commemoration ceremony by the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Defence. Calculation of their exact travel and expenses costs has not yet been finalised.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contribution was requested from the 8th Army veterans towards expenses of their attending the 50th anniversary of El Alamein; and if he will refund it.
§ Mr. Archie Hamilton[holding answer 27 November 1992]: The El Alamein commemoration events consisted of the service at Westminster abbey, a ceremony in E,gypt and the refurbishment of the El Alamein museum. The MOD El Alamein project team funded by the MOD, industry and private individuals helped to organise the events. No contributions were requested from either individual veterans or the Eighth Army Veterans Association. All veterans made their own arrangements, and paid for travel to Egypt, most booking packages with travel firms or with the Royal British Legion.