PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS FROM PS2 THE LEADING U.K. GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMPANY
Contact:
DEFENCE
Cluster Munitions
Mr. Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much cluster bomb type ordnance was recently deployed in Iraq. [117655]
Mr. Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 5 June 2003, Official Report, column 507W, to my hon. Friend for Lewisham Deptford (Joan Ruddock).
Defence Equipment Policy (EU)
Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the European Commission’s communication, Towards an EU Defence Equipment Policy. [117502]
Mr. Hoon: The Government’s position is outlined in the Explanatory Memorandum on European Community Document entitled: Communication from the Commission to the Council, The European Parliament, The European Social and Economic Committee of the Regions “European Defence-Industrial and Market Issues: Towards an EU Defence Equipment Policy” Reference Number 8484/03 [COM(2003) 113 final] dated 15 May 2003, which is available in the Library of the House.
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Defence Scientific and Technical Laboratory
Rachel Squire: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the responses made to the Defence Scientific and Technical Laboratory’s site rationalisation consultation document. [118898]
Dr. Moonie [holding answer 12 June 2003]: I will arrange for a copy of the Trades Unions’ response to the Dstl Site Rationalisation Consultation Document to be placed in the Library.
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people work for the Defence Scientific Advisory Council; how many are employed in Scotland; what the personnel costs of the agency are; and how these figures compare to 2002. [119297]
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Dr. Moonie: The Defence Scientific Advisory Council (DSAC) is an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB). It has a membership of 13, supported by an additional seven Ministry of Defence officials. None work or reside in Scotland at present. As an advisory NDPB, it does not incur expense on its own account.
Goodwill Visit
Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the last occasion was that a goodwill visit was made by a vessel of the navy of the Irish Republic to London; and when he will extend an invitation for a future visit. [118887]
Dr. Moonie: The last visit made by a vessel of the navy of the Irish Republic to London took place from the 6 to 11 October 1997 to participate in an International Maritime Defence Exhibition. Visits to United Kingdom ports by vessels of the Irish Republic are always welcome and do not require a formal invitation.
HMS Dryad
Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the procedures that Defence Estates will follow on the disposal of the site of HMS Dryad. [118628]
Dr. Moonie: If the site is ultimately identified for disposal then Defence Estates will dispose of the site in line with the guidelines set out in Government Accounting.
It is too early to say what the specific marketing arrangements might be. However, Defence Estates is fully aware of the historic significance of the site, not least Southwick House, and will ensure that due cognisance is given to those parts of the site where sensitivity exists and arrangements for public access to historic features are retained where appropriate.
Instructional Techniques Course
Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken to modify the aims of the Instructional Techniques Course to enable instructors to change their teaching methods to trainees; and what advice has been sought on developing appropriate coaching and mentoring skills. [118938]
Dr. Moonie: A standardised set of instructional techniques is now included in instructor courses following a review of the practices in single Services. This