Arms Fairs
Mr. Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the arms fairs organised, supported and sponsored by his Department in each year since 1997, indicating the (a) name, (b) location and (c) cost to the Department and organisations attending each event. [65791]
Dr. Moonie: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.
Mr. Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the arms fairs that are to be organised, supported and sponsored by his Department in 2002 and 2003. [65792]
Dr. Moonie: Since September 1997 the Ministry of Defence no longer organises defence exhibitions.
However, in support of the Government’s commitment to a strong United Kingdom defence industry, the Ministry of Defence undertakes a broad range of activities in support of the organisers of defence exhibitions. Normal marketing support to UK exhibitors is provided by the Defence Export Services Organisation, and other assistance includes helping the organisers ensure maximum exposure of UK products to potential customers by supporting officials’ inward visits.
This year the MOD will participate in the Farnborough Airshow, which is a commercial event organised and run by the Society of British Aerospace Companies. In 2003, the MOD will participate in the Defence System and Equipment International exhibition, organised by Spearhead Exhibitions Ltd.
9 Jul 2002 : Column: 847W
In addition to these events, DESO have either supported or currently expect to support the following shows:
2002
Aid & Trade International, Switzerland
Pacific 2002, Australia
Asian Air, Singapore
DEFEXPOL, India
FIDEA, Chile
DSA Malaysia, Malaysia
Eurosatory, France
Africa Aerodef, South Africa
Defendory, Greece
Sofex, Jordan
Euronaval, France
Euronaval, Chile
2003
Avalon, Australia
Aero India, India
IDEX, Abu Dhabi
Aviation World Fair, USA
LAD, Brazil
IMDEX, Singapore
Paris Air, France
Aviation North America, USA
IDEF, Turkey
Kormarine, South Korea
Seoul Air, South Korea
Dubai Air, Dubai
LIMA, Malaysia.
Building Values
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the buildings owned by his Department and estimate the market value of each of them. [66941]
Dr. Moonie: I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury gave him on 3 July 2002, Official Report, column 339W.
A400M
Mr. Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what A400M spares will be stored in the United Kingdom; [66759]
(2) where the spares store for the A400M will be located. [66758]
Dr. Moonie: The United Kingdom, together with its partner nations, has initiated work to produce a Common Support Strategy for A400M. We plan to make a decision on this aspect of the programme by 2005, after considering a range of options. It is not yet possible, therefore, to say what A400M spares will be held in the UK, and where A400M spares will be held.
Mr. Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the wings for the A400M will be transported from Filton to the main construction site in France. [66757]
9 Jul 2002 : Column: 848W
Dr. Moonie: Final assembly of the A400M aircraft will take place in Seville, Spain. A400M wings will be transported to Seville by the Beluga aircraft (a modified Airbus A300) already used by Airbus UK to deliver wings for Airbus commercial aircraft.
Thailand
Mr. Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Government of Thailand about the sale of warships. [66760]
Dr. Moonie: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence held discussions, during his recent visit to Thailand, with his Thai counterpart and other senior Thai officials in support of proposals put forward by United Kingdom companies.
Police
Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what