HC Deb 14 January 1994 vol 235 cc343-4W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) pursuant to his answer of 14 December,Official Report, column 631, if he is now prepared to state (a) the number of study teams and (b) each of the different areas of support businesses they will be examining;

(2) pursuant to his answer of 14 December, Official Report, column 631, whether he is now prepared to list each of the aspects of support that he will be looking at as part of the defence costs study; and if he is now prepared to provide detailed information on their current functions and costs.

Mr. Aitken

The defence costs study is looking at all aspects of support to the front line. So far 16 individual studies have been set in hand to examine particular areas. These are the MOD's organisation and function; service HQs, command and top-level budget structures; MOD police; research and development; procurement projects and practices; the function and organisation of the Procurement Executive; a review of the market-testing programme; financial management; defence estate and property; repair, spares, storage, distribution and infrastructure; military training; recruiting and manning; medical support; non-operational information technology; security; and naval support infrastructure. I am arranging for a short note explaining more about each of these studies to be placed in the Library of the House. A number of other areas are under consideration, and additional studies will continue to be added to this list. The function and costs of support organisations will be analysed as part of the study.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what communications he has had with his NATO counterparts relating to his defence costs study; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Aitken

My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence outlined the purpose and scope of the defence costs study to his NATO counterparts at a Defence Planning Committee meeting held in Brussels on 8 and 9 December 1993.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 14 December,Official Report, column 632, if he will provide details of the rank or civil service grade of the members of the secretariat established to co-ordinate work on the defence costs study.

Mr. Aitken

The full-time secretariat team established to co-ordinate the defence costs study comprises an air vice marshall, a grade 5, a captain RN, a colonel, a grade 7, a higher executive officer (development), an administrative officer and a personal assistant. In addition, a grade 3 is also working on the study as part of his existing responsibility.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what communication took place between his officials and members of the media on the subject of the defence costs study on 20 December 1993; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Aitken

Selected journalists were given a background briefing on the defence costs study on 20 December 1993 by a senior Ministry of Defence official.

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