§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what proportion of Ministry of Defence (P E) projects have been delayed by the need to conform to annualised budgeting in each of the years 1992–93, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96 and 1996–97; [28322]
(2) what proportion of Ministry of Defence (PE) projects have incurred cost increases due to delay owing to annualised Ministry of Defence budgeting in each of the years 1992–93, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96, and 1996–97. [28321]
§ Mr. SpellarThe most recent report published by the Comptroller and Auditor General on the progress and costs of major projects (Major Projects Report 1996) identified budgetary constraints as a cause of delay on 13 out of the top 25 projects. However, the information on project cost increases is analysed on a different basis and not directly correlated to budgetary constraints.
The forward defence programme is re-costed and, where necessary, adjusted annually to reflect the latest assessment of individual project timescales and costs, and to ensure that the programme remains affordable within projected annual provision.
Information covering the five years in question as to the total numbers of projects which were changed solely to keep within projected annual budgets and any consequent cost increases could be provided only at disproportionate cost.