HC Deb 27 July 2000 vol 354 cc744-6W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the projects undertaken at the DERA Eskmeals Range in(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 2000. [132160]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 25 July 2000]This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Sir John Chisholm to Mr. Robert Key, dated 27 July 2000: I am replying to your parliamentary question about the work undertaken at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) range at Eskmeals. The major projects and trials undertaken at the range during (a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 2000 are as follows: 1997

  • 155mm AS90 Self Propelled Gun
  • 105mm Light Gun
  • 120mm Mortar
  • 81mm Mortar
  • Trials of future armours
  • Trials of mines against Armoured Fighting vehicles
  • Armour plate proof
  • Gun Barrel Proof
1998
  • 155mm AS90 Self Propelled Gun
  • 4.5 inch Naval Gun
  • 105mm Light Gun
  • 120mm Mortar
  • 81mm Mortar
  • Disposal of 75mm and 105mm ammunition
  • Trials of future armours
  • Trials of mines against Armoured Fighting Vehicles
  • Armour plate proof
 2000 to date
  • 155mm AS90 Self Propelled Gun
  • 105mm Light Gun
  • 81mm Mortar
  • Trials of future armours
  • Trials of mines against Armoured Fighting Vehicles
 I hope the above is helpful.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people by(a) rank and (b) grade are employed at the DERA Eskmeals Range. [132158]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 25 July 2000]This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Sir John Chisholm to Mr. Robert Key, dated 27 July 2000: I am replying to your parliamentary question about the numbers and types of staff employed at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) range at Eskmeals. There are currently some 135 staff employed at the range, of these 37 are DERA, 3 military (one major and two warrant officers) and 95 contractor staff, principally from SERCO. DERA staff are mainly managers and supervisors, with a small number in administrative support roles. Three quarters of the SERCO staff are skilled or semi-skilled technicians. The remainder are managers, supervisors and manual labourers. I hope the above is helpful.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been(a) the client income and (b) the cost of the DERA Eskmeals Range in each year since 1996. [132159]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 25 July 2000]This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Robert Key, dated 27 July 2000: I am replying to your parliamentary question about the financial operation of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) range at Eskmeals. The client income and the cost of the range in each year since 1996 is as follows:

Financial year £ million
1996–97
Client income 5.2
Costs 8.5
1997–98
Client income 8.2
Costs 8.4
1998–99
Client income 5.0
Costs 7.3
1999–2000
Client income 3.3
Costs 5.9

The above figures in respect of client income exclude a capability retention levy which is paid by the Ministry of Defence to ensure that strategic technical capabilities are maintained. I hope the above is helpful.