HC Deb 12 March 1997 vol 292 cc233-4W
Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total amount of income received by testing and firing ranges at Shoeburyness in the most recent annual period for which figures are available; and if he will provide a similar figures for other testing and firing ranges under the control of Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. [19712]

Mr. Arbuthnot

This is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from John Chisholm to Sir Teddy Taylor, dated 12 March 1997

I have been asked to reply to your question about the income received by the testing and firing ranges of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), since as Chief Executive of DERA, this is a matter for which I am responsible.

The most recent annual period for which income figures are available is 1995/6. The income received by the ranges at Shoeburyness during this period was £25,603k and by the other DERA testing and firing ranges during this period was:

  • Aberporth: £35,462k
  • Eskmeals: £5,365k
  • Kirkcudbright: £3,537k
  • Larkhill: £3,406k
  • Pendine: £4,092k
  • West Freugh: £7,848k

I hope you find this information useful.

Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the facilities for the testing and firing of ammunition which can be provided in the Shoeburyness ranges and which cannot be provided in any other United Kingdom range; and if he will make a statement on the significance of the uniqueness of those facilities. [19713]

Mr. Arbuthnot

This is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from John Chisholm to Sir Teddy Taylor, dated 12 March 1997

I have been asked to reply to your question about those facilities for the testing and firing of ammunition which can be provided by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) range at Shoeburyness, but which are not provided by any other United Kingdom range, since as Chief Executive of DERA, this is a matter for which I am responsible.

The Shoeburyness range is currently the only facility in the UK for testing and firing of ammunition at which the following activities can be undertaken:

  1. (a)overwater recovery for shells to a range of up to 24 kilometres
  2. (b)long range ground to ground firing up to 17 kilometres
  3. (c)Environmental Test Centre for hazardous stores and weapons
  4. (d)ammunition disposal meeting Environment Agency requirements
  5. (e)fragmentation trials and other explosive trials requiring a danger area above 1800 metres radius

The environmental testing of hazardous stores and weapons and ammunition disposal could be conducted elsewhere given investment in suitable facilities. However, for as long as there is a customer requirement for the range based capabilities in the UK, they are likely to have to be provided at Shoeburyness.

I hope this is helpful.

Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the likely date of recommendations from DERA about the future of testing and firing ranges; and if he will list his own powers to review such recommendations. [19714]

Mr. Arbuthnot

I hope to be in a position to approve the issue of a consultation document on the way ahead regarding DERA's land ranges within a matter of weeks. On behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, I shall be reviewing the recommendations which emerge from the consultation process in the light of what is operationally necessary for the Department and provides the best value for money to the taxpayer.