HC Deb 22 January 1998 vol 304 cc620-1W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if it is his intention to continue the United Kingdom commitment to NATO in respect of providing the European Regional Test Centre for interchangeability and interoperability of NATO small arms ammunition; and if he will make a statement; [24103]

(2) if the collective decision of NATO in 1993 that the European Regional Test Centre for testing certain ammunition should be based at Pendine has been amended following Pendine's certification; and if he will make a statement; [24101]

(3) if his Department or the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency have identified a single facility with the required range, size, technical facilities and experienced staff as an alternative to the European Regional Test Centre at Pendine; and if he will make a statement. [24102]

Mr. Spellar

[holding answer 20 January 1998]: NATO's 1993 certification of the European Regional Test Centre facility at DERA Pendine has not been amended.

There are potentially a number of other sites in the UK that could conduct the small arms work for both MOD and NATO needs. The aim of the Ministry of Defence is to provide these capabilities in the most cost effective way to ensure best value for money for the UK and our NATO allies.

There are presently no plans to discontinue provision of a European Regional Test Centre for small arms ammunition. Our commitment is dependent on suitable and affordable facilities being available.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was charged by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency for the operation of the European Regional Test Centre for small and medium calibre ammunition at Pendine in each of the financial years since Pendine was certified. [24104]

Mr. Spellar

[holding answer 20 January 1998]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Nick Ainger, dated 22 January 1998: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State about charges for the operation of the European Regional Test Centre and Pendine as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. The Pendine range, which includes the NATO European Regional Test Centre for small arms and medium calibre ammunition, was not part of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) until FY 95/6. During FY 93/4 and FY 94/5 the Pendine site was vote funded and direct charges were not made. Costs were allocated on a notional basis, with much of the site running costs funded via the vote. Reliable figures are therefore not available for these years. Since FY 95/6 tasks have been costed individually and on a full recovery of costs basis. The total income from NATO work is:

  • 1995/96: £ 120K
  • 1996/97: £130K
  • 1997/98: £ 150K (Estimate of end of year outtum).
During this period national work has produced the following income:
  • 1995/96: £633K
  • 1996/97: £1,041K
  • 1997/98: £1,180K (Estimate of end of year outturn).
MOD also pays an annual maintenance charge to support the NATO and national facilities of:
  • 1995/96: £137K
  • 1996/97: £256K
  • 1997/98: £303K.
I hope this information is helpful.

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