HC Deb 21 June 1994 vol 245 cc152-3W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the list kept by the Defence Procurement Executive of approved persons or companies in the United Kingdom to whom surplus military equipment may be disposed.

Mr. Aitken

More than 4,000 companies and individuals encompassing more than 250 commodity types are currently registered on the Directorate of Sales (Disposals) trade lists. The information is commercial in confidence and can be released only with permission of the tenderers concerned.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries to which surplus military equipment has been disposed by the Defence Procurement Executive in the last five years for which information is available.

Mr. Aitken

The information requested could not be provided without disproportionate effort. However, overseas sales of surplus military equipment by the Ministry of Defence are subject to the same defence and foreign policy considerations as all other exports of defence equipment.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria are used for the disposal of surplus military equipment by the Defence Procurement Executive.

Mr. Aitken

Surplus military equipment is sold by the Directorate of Sales (Disposals) to the best financial advantage of the Ministry of Defence, in compliance with Government policies and control procedures.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many persons and at what grades or ranks work in the Defence Procurement Executive.

Mr. Aitken

The available information, relating to staff working in Chief of Defence Procurement's budget area at 1 April 1994, is as follows:

Total administration group Scientists/engineers Other staff
Industrial total 1,424.5 — — 1,424.5
Apprentices 173.0 — — 173.0
Basic craftsmen 22.0 — — 22.0
Senior craftsmen 608.5 — — 608.5
Industrial Technician 45.0 — — 45.0
Fire Service 47.0 — — 47.0
Other Non-craft 529.0 — — 529.0
United Kingdom regular service personnel
Total 1,224 — — —
Officers 840 — — —
Other ranks 384 — — —