§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the value is of contracts let in connection with RAF Menwith Hill in(a) 1998, (b) 1999, (c) 2000 and (d) 2001; how many such contracts have been let; to whom they have been let; and what percentage of contracts have been let to UK firms. [6259]
§ Mr. IngramThe value and numbers of contracts let by the Ministry of Defence in connection with RAF Menwith Hill were as follows:
Financial years Contracts let Value £ million 1998–99 199 3,168 1999–2000 313 4,747 2000–01 414 3,296 1 April 2001 to 14 September 2001 242 2,798 Note:
Figures are exclusive of VAT
Details of individual contracts have been withheld under exemption 14 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information and the names of individual contractors have been withheld under exemption 4e of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The majority of contracts have been awarded to UK Prime Contractors, but this work may be sub-contracted to UK or other companies.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the complement was of Ministry of Defence police at RAF Menwith Hill on(a)1 January and (b) 15 July; and what percentage of the cost of these personnel on each date was met by the US Government. [6258]
§ Mr. IngramI am withholding details of the MDP complement (on 1 January 2001 and 15 July 2001) at RAF Menwith Hill in accordance with exemption 1 (defence, security and international relations) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. I can, however, confirm that staffing levels have been significantly increased in recent months.
The financial arrangements governing the MDP presence at RAF Menwith Hill are covered by a memorandum of understanding between the UK and US Governments. The costs incurred by HMG for the MDP presence at RAF Menwith Hill are reimbursed by the US Government, except where overtime is occasioned by the activities of protesters, which is a direct cost to the UK.
955W
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many alleged breaches of security have occurred at RAF Menwith Hill in each year from 1990 to date. [6263]
§ Mr. IngramCentral records of incursions at RAF Menwith Hill were not kept prior to 1996. Since then, the figures are:
Number 1996 17 1997 51 1998 30 1999 1 2000–01 1 The noticeable drop since 1999 reflects the erection of a perimeter security fence at the site.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many MoD personnel at RAF Menwith Hill are under the operational control of US visiting forces. [6260]
§ Mr. IngramAs at 1 October 2001, 257 Ministry of Defence personnel employed at RAF Menwith Hill are under the line management of the United States visiting force as part of their day-to-day duties.