§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what improvements have been made to the armed forces' C3 capabilities since July 1998; and if he will make a statement. [51491]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 25 April 2002]: The introduction into service of a range of programmes has led to significant improvements to the armed forces' Command, Control and Communications (C3) capability since July 1998. Examples include the upgrade and expansion of our Joint Force Maritime and Air Operational Command Systems, and upgrades to the Skynet 4 satellite system. We have also introduced specific additional communications capabilities to improve interoperability with allies to ensure maximum operational flexibility for our deployed forces in the particular demands of the Afghanistan environment. Furthermore, the Personal Role Radio was released into service in January 2002, two months earlier than scheduled, and is currently deployed with troops in Afghanistan.
These enhancements are backed by a significant programme of investment in our future capability that, over the next few years, includes the introduction of Bowman, Skynet 5, and Falcon.
1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 Numbers of staff £ Numbers of staff £ Numbers of staff £ MOD police officers 2 76,097 2 87,304 11 283,529 RN regulators 0 0 1 18,530 1 35,000 Royal Military Police 0 0 2 33,597 2 44,744 Royal Air Force Police 0 0 3 63,880 41 53,978 Total 2 76,097 8 193,311 5 187,251 1 With effect from January 2002 the number of MDP officers on secondment to Wiltshire constabulary reduced from two to one. 2 Figures include support costs up to November 2001 only. 3 Costs approximated as officer only undertook part-time duties in respect of Operation Antler. 4 With effect from November 2001 the number of RAF officers on secondment to Wiltshire constabulary reduced from two to one. In addition, staff in MOD Headquarters and at Porton Down have co-operated fully with the police in pursuit of their inquiries.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many DSTL staff at Porton Down have assisted Wiltshire Constabulary with Operation Antler; what