HC Deb 19 May 1994 vol 243 c553W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent proposals he has considered relating to improving the cost-effectiveness of the United Nations military procurement system; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Current measures being pursued by the United Nations to improve the cost-effectiveness of United Nations procurement procedures include the development of appropriate standards and specifications for incorporation into contracts, and establishing standby contracts for the supply of common user items, material and services. An improved system for handling air transport contracts is also being introduced. These measures are based on the need to achieve a timely response while ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with United Nations financial regulations.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the quantity and quality of military equipment that has been stockpiled by the United Nations at its depot in Pisa, Italy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The United Nations maintains a depot at Pisa, which comprises serviceable items from completed missions. As part of its efforts to improve its ability to mount new peacekeeping missions the United Nations is planning to use the depot as a logistics base where "start-up kits" will be held and maintained at readiness for deployment. The current plans call for up to five such kits which might be deployed either singly or in combination.

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