§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence under what headings in his departmental report, United Kingdom Defence Statistics 1993, his Department's expenditure on(a) environmental research and (b) environmental clean-up and restoration is covered.
§ Mr. AitkenMy Department does not have separately funded environmental research or clean-up and restoration programmes. Much practical work is carried out80W which may produce environmental data. These costs are not always readily identifiable and do not lend themselves to presentation as discrete elements of the programme.
§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many requests for information have been made to his Department under the Environmental Information Regulations 1992; what proportion have been answered in full; and if he will make a statement on the criteria adopted for withholding information requested.
§ Mr. AitkenThe Ministry of Defence has received one request for information which was answered in full. It is our policy to make environmental information available wherever possible. The criteria adopted in deciding whether to withhold information accord with the regulations and take account of the guidance issued by the Department of Environment.