§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the reviews set in train in his Department and its agencies since 2 May 1997, indicating their terms of reference, cost and starting and finishing dates. [40603]
§ Mr. George RobertsonWe have set up two major reviews in addition to work which is part of the normal on-going activity of the Department and its Agencies. These are: the Strategic Defence Review; and the Review of compensation arrangements for members of the Armed Forces (or their dependants) when they suffer illness, injury or death.
The scope of the Strategic Defence Review was set out in the answer given to the hon. Member on 19 May 1997, Official Report, column 17, and work started on 28 May. A package of proposals has been submitted to the Cabinet for collective discussion and decision.
292WThe scope of the Compensation Review was set out in the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd, West (Mr. Thomas) by my hon. Friend the Minister for the Armed Forces on 8 December 1997, Official Report, columns 440–41. Work on this Review is due to be completed this summer. For both Reviews maximum use has been made of existing structures although for the Strategic Defence Review extra costs have been incurred, particularly in the provision of external consultancy advice and outside consultation. It is too early to give definitive costs.