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100136

	registered interest
	date	21/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Compensation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what Veterans UK policy is on prioritising the compensation claims of armed forces veterans with more serious illnesses or injuries.
	tabling member constituency	Ceredigion
	tabling member printed	Mr Mark Williams
	uin	211313
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) attaches importance to ensuring that claims for compensation which are particularly deserving are treated as a priority. Veterans UK administers the War Pension and Armed Forces Compensation Schemes. Within both Schemes, compensation claims from, or in relation to, Armed Forces veterans are treated as a priority where they are identified by the caseworker as 'seriously injured or vulnerable Service leavers' (as decided through the single Service welfare cells), or are diagnosed terminally ill, or have died in Service or have claimed a number of serious medical conditions in their application.</p><p>These claims are subject to an accelerated process, marked as 'Priority' and treated as such at all stages of the administrative process. They are settled at the earliest opportunity once a decision has been taken.</p><p>In Armed Forces Compensation cases Veterans UK's objective is to make a decision and clear the case within 20 working days of the last piece of evidence being received. This aim has been achieved for at least the last four years.</p> answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry question first answered 10/11/2014 17:36:01 answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry previous answer version 24939 answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry
	tabling member	1498 label Biography information for Mr Mark Williams

100792

	registered interest
	date	23/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Veterans: Social Rented Housing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many personnel have been placed on his Department's referral scheme co-ordinated by the Joint Service Housing Advice Office in each year since 2010; and how many personnel so referred successfully found accommodation through the scheme in each year since 2010.
	tabling member constituency	North Durham
	tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
	uin	211790
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>The number of personnel who have applied to the Joint Service Housing Advice Office referral scheme and have been housed is as follows:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>Year</p></td><td><p>Number of applicants*</p></td><td><p>Number housed via the scheme</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2010</p></td><td><p>196</p></td><td><p>24</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2011</p></td><td><p>185</p></td><td><p>16</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2012</p></td><td><p>130</p></td><td><p>8</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2013</p></td><td><p>866</p></td><td><p>36</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2014</p><p>(as at 24 October)</p></td><td><p>174</p></td><td><p>22</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>* In 2013, a database transfer of historical data only retained those applicants who were still eligible between the years 2010-2012 at that time. Consequently figures for 2010-12 are only for eligible applicants whereas those for 2013-14 also include ineligible applicants.</p> answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry question first answered 10/11/2014 17:34:53 answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry previous answer version 25426 answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry
	tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

101075

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Airspace
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if two non-cooperating aircraft operating in the same Class G airspace at the same time can be regarded as a Risk to Life.
	tabling member constituency	Moray
	tabling member printed	Angus Robertson
	uin	212060
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>The appropriate military Duty Holder for each aircraft fleet is required to undertake a Risk to Life assessment at quarterly intervals. One of the risks considered is that of mid air collision with non-cooperating aircraft. This includes in uncontrolled airspace away from airfields, airports and the airways system (Class G airspace). Following this assessment, the Duty Holder is required to put in place appropriate controls and mitigating measures to ensure that any potential risk is both tolerable and as low as reasonably practicable.</p> answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry question first answered 10/11/2014 17:26:43 answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry previous answer version 25872 answering member constituency Rayleigh and Wickford answering member printed Mr Mark Francois answering member 1444 label Biography information for Mr Mark Francois
	tabling member	1433 label Biography information for Angus Robertson

101629

	registered interest
	date	29/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	War Pensions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much in total is paid to claimants of the War Pensions Scheme in each age group claiming (a) the Allowance for a Lowered Standard of Occupation and (b) the Unemployability Supplement.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	212520
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>It is not possible to provide details of how much is paid in each age range to recipients of the Allowance for a Lowered Standard of Occupation and the Unemployability Supplement because details of such expenditure are not held in age groupings, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, for financial year 2013-14, a total of £33 million was paid to recipients of the Allowance for a Lowered Standard of Occupation and £37 million was paid to recipients of the Unemployability Supplement.</p> answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry question first answered 10/11/2014 17:27:29 answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry previous answer version 26467 answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

101813

	registered interest
	date	30/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Military Decorations
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will review his Department's policy on the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal.
	tabling member constituency	Gedling
	tabling member printed	Vernon Coaker
	uin	212655
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence has no plans to review the qualifying criteria for the Accumulated Service Medal (ACSM).</p><p>The ACSM was instituted in January 1994 (for all three Services) with a qualifying period of 36 months to recognise aggregated operational Service in Northern Ireland since 14 August 1969. The qualifying criteria were last amended in 2010 when it was agreed that the method of recognising repeat tours through the accumulation of operational service remained valid, but that the qualifying period should be reduced to 24 months from 1 January 2008. From that date, operational service has been rewarded, when eligible, by the award of the ACSM (2011), rather than ACSM (1994).</p><p>Issues surrounding the ACSM were looked at during Sir John Holmes's review of Military Medals, as part of work to consider claims for further medallic recognition. The conclusion of that review was announced in the House of Lords on 29 July 2014 (Official Report, column WS147).</p> answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry grouped question UIN 212656 question first answered 10/11/2014 17:32:29 answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry
	tabling member	360 label Biography information for Lord Coaker

101821

	registered interest
	date	30/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Military Decorations
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his policy is with respect to the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Gedling
	tabling member printed	Vernon Coaker
	uin	212656
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence has no plans to review the qualifying criteria for the Accumulated Service Medal (ACSM).</p><p>The ACSM was instituted in January 1994 (for all three Services) with a qualifying period of 36 months to recognise aggregated operational Service in Northern Ireland since 14 August 1969. The qualifying criteria were last amended in 2010 when it was agreed that the method of recognising repeat tours through the accumulation of operational service remained valid, but that the qualifying period should be reduced to 24 months from 1 January 2008. From that date, operational service has been rewarded, when eligible, by the award of the ACSM (2011), rather than ACSM (1994).</p><p>Issues surrounding the ACSM were looked at during Sir John Holmes's review of Military Medals, as part of work to consider claims for further medallic recognition. The conclusion of that review was announced in the House of Lords on 29 July 2014 (Official Report, column WS147).</p> answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry grouped question UIN 212655 question first answered 10/11/2014 17:32:30 answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry
	tabling member	360 label Biography information for Lord Coaker

101822

	registered interest
	date	30/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Wrecks
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the extent of damage done to the wrecks of HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales; what steps can be taken better to prevent the desecration of these designated war graves; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	New Forest East
	tabling member printed	Dr Julian Lewis
	uin	212659
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>The wrecks of HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales lie in international waters off Malaysia and are designated as protected places under the United Kingdom's Protection of Military Remains Act 1986. Regrettably we are aware of unauthorised salvaging and damage to the wrecks. We are engaged with the Government of Malaysia and the Royal Malaysian Navy to prevent further damage. In May 2014, the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur issued a press release welcoming the actions of the Royal Malaysian Navy to impound a Cambodian registered vessel responsible for illegally disturbing and salvaging ship wrecks for scrap material. We took the opportunity to highlight that wrecks should be treated as military maritime graves and given the respect they deserve.The large number of Royal Navy wrecks around the world means there are limitations on what can be achieved by the United Kingdom alone with regard to enforcing protection but where we have definitive evidence of desecration of sites, we will respond. Also, when items from protected wrecks are found to be for sale the Government can intervene, as we did successfully in May 2014 when items from HMS Repulse and HMS Exeter were removed from an auction in Australia and taken possession of by our High Commission in Canberra.</p> answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry question first answered 10/11/2014 17:31:49 answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry
	tabling member	54 label Biography information for Sir Julian Lewis

102031

	registered interest
	date	31/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Drugs
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many members of the British Army were dismissed for drug-related offences in the last three years; and how many such dismissals were for possession or use of cannabis.
	tabling member constituency	Portsmouth South
	tabling member printed	Mr Mike Hancock
	uin	212801
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>The table sets out the information requested in respect of the British Army.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>Year</p></td><td><p>Number of British Army personnel dismissed for drug-related offences?</p></td><td><p>Number of British Army personnel dismissed for possession or use of cannabis?</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2012</p></td><td><p>6</p></td><td><p>1</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2013</p></td><td><p>2</p></td><td><p>0</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2014</p><p>(as at 31 Oct)</p></td><td><p>3</p></td><td><p>1</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>The information has been compiled using the date of conviction, not the date of offence. It does not include administrative discharges and therefore compulsory drugs test failures are not included.</p> answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry question first answered 10/11/2014 17:35:26 answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry
	tabling member	59 label Biography information for Mr Mike Hancock

102032

	registered interest
	date	31/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Drugs
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many members of the Royal Air Force were dismissed for drug-related offences in the last three years; and how many such dismissals were for possession or use of cannabis.
	tabling member constituency	Portsmouth South
	tabling member printed	Mr Mike Hancock
	uin	212802
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <table><tbody><tr><td>Year</td><td>Number of personnel dismissed for drug-related offences</td><td>Number of personnel dismissed for the possession or use of Canabis</td></tr><tr><td>2012</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>1</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>2014 (to 5 November)</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>This information has been compiled using the date of conviction, not the date of the offence.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry question first answered 10/11/2014 17:26:14 answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry
	tabling member	59 label Biography information for Mr Mike Hancock

106252

	registered interest
	date	04/11/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Navy
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to encourage school and college students to become submariners.
	tabling member constituency	Strangford
	tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
	uin	213349
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>When invited, the Armed Forces visit schools or colleges to support the school curriculum; to improve the awareness of their role and the range of career opportunities across the Armed Forces, including those unique to the Submarine Service such as nuclear engineering, and to pass on valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork and citizenship. In addition, the Royal Navy has established affiliations with four University Technical Colleges specialising in engineering and technical subjects. Under these affiliations, and it is hoped that more will follow, the Royal Navy will provide engineering expertise to assist with student projects and provide key note speakers.</p><p>Information on the Armed Forces in Britain and abroad, including their role, history, current operations and what it is like to work as part of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, is also available to schools and colleges through the British Armed Forces Learning Resource 2014.</p> answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry question first answered 10/11/2014 17:29:07 answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry
	tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

106260

	registered interest
	date	04/11/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Discharges
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether all new trainees aged under 18 at all army training establishments are informed on arrival (a) orally and (b) in writing that they have a right of discharge at any point up until their 18th birthday.
	tabling member constituency	North Devon
	tabling member printed	Sir Nick Harvey
	uin	213316
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>All Army recruits under the age of 18 are repeatedly informed both verbally and in writing of their statutory right of discharge, during enlistment and training.</p> answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry question first answered 10/11/2014 17:27:58 answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry
	tabling member	231 label Biography information for Sir Nick Harvey

106261

	registered interest
	date	04/11/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Army Foundation College
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the policy is of the Army Foundation College, Harrogate on allowing all soldiers to access welfare services on their own initiative at any time during their training; and if he will place in the Library a copy of all written policies concerning access to welfare services in that college.
	tabling member constituency	North Devon
	tabling member printed	Sir Nick Harvey
	uin	213317
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>The essential role that welfare services play in the training, development and retention of recruits under 18 is emphasised in the Army Foundation College Supervisory Care Directive. Every effort is made to ensure that access to welfare and pastoral care is available to recruits at all times. The Supervisory Care Directive is currently being reviewed. Once the review is complete the document will be placed in the Library of the House.</p> answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry question first answered 10/11/2014 17:28:33 answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry
	tabling member	231 label Biography information for Sir Nick Harvey

114666

	registered interest
	date	05/11/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Protection of Military Remains Act 1986
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he next plans to propose secondary legislation under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.
	tabling member constituency	Gillingham and Rainham
	tabling member printed	Rehman Chishti
	uin	213663
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>Since 2002, through five Statutory Instruments, 78 wrecks have been designated under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 as either Protected Places or Controlled Sites. The last Statutory Instrument (SI 2012/1110) came into force on 1 June 2012.</p><p>Ministry of Defence officials are considering which ships (from potentially more than 5,000) should be included in the next Statutory Instrument but I cannot yet give a timetable for the conclusion of that work.</p> answering member constituency Broxtowe answering member printed Anna Soubry question first answered 10/11/2014 17:30:22 answering member 3938 label Biography information for Anna Soubry
	tabling member	3987 label Biography information for Rehman Chishti

114672

	registered interest
	date	05/11/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Navy: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the personnel establishment is of each unit of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Reserve in Northern Ireland.
	tabling member constituency	Lagan Valley
	tabling member printed	Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson
	uin	213468
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>The Maritime Reserves are represented in Northern Ireland by the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) unit HMS HIBERNIA in Lisburn, and the Royal Marines Reserve (RMR) Belfast Detachment of RMR Scotland.</p><p>The RNR and RMR personnel establishments are not apportioned by local unit.</p><p>The current strength of the Maritime Reserves' units in Northern Ireland is:</p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>HMS HIBERNIA</p></td><td><p>90</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Belfast Detachment</p></td><td><p>30</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Note: Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.</p> answering member constituency Canterbury answering member printed Mr Julian Brazier question first answered 10/11/2014 17:30:50 answering member 77 label Biography information for Sir Julian Brazier
	tabling member	650 label Biography information for Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

114673

	registered interest
	date	05/11/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Air Force: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the personnel establishment is of each unit of the RAF Reserve in Northern Ireland.
	tabling member constituency	Lagan Valley
	tabling member printed	Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson
	uin	213469
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>There is one Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron based in Northern Ireland, No. 502 (Ulster) Squadron. It is currently established for up to 123 personnel, 111 part-time Volunteer Reserve posts supported by a Headquarters staff of 12 Royal Auxiliary Air Force personnel.</p> answering member constituency Canterbury answering member printed Mr Julian Brazier question first answered 10/11/2014 17:31:22 answering member 77 label Biography information for Sir Julian Brazier
	tabling member	650 label Biography information for Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

101081

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Defence Cultural Specialist Unit
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many weeks of cultural and historical training the average graduate of the Defence Cultural Specialist Unit course receives in addition to their language training.
	tabling member constituency	Penrith and The Border
	tabling member printed	Rory Stewart
	uin	211975
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>The Defence Cultural Specialist Unit is not a training establishment and therefore does not offer any courses in the generally accepted use of the term. Its role is to prepare and provide Cultural Specialists and Human Terrain Analysts for units at readiness or deploying on operations. The Unit works with a variety of organisations, including the Defence Centre for Language and Culture at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, to ensure that its personnel are appropriately trained to meet the UK's commitments.</p><p>After the completion of appropriate language training, which also includes elements of cultural and historical learning, a Cultural Specialist will receive, on average, between 3-5 weeks of cultural and historical training specific to their future role.</p><p>Since the Defence Cultural Specialist Unit was formed in 2010, 59 personnel have spent more than six months undertaking related studies. These are provided at a range of locations, including the Defence Centre for Language and Culture at the Defence Academy. As at 30 October 2014 the Unit had seven personnel undertaking cultural and historical training.</p> answering member constituency Rayleigh and Wickford answering member printed Mr Mark Francois grouped question UIN 211968 question first answered 10/11/2014 17:29:48 answering member 1444 label Biography information for Mr Mark Francois previous answer version 25865 answering member constituency Sevenoaks answering member printed Michael Fallon answering member 88
	tabling member	4137 label Biography information for Rory Stewart

101088

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Defence Cultural Specialist Unit
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many members of the armed forces have spent more than six months studying with the Defence Cultural Specialist Unit; and how many are studying now.
	tabling member constituency	Penrith and The Border
	tabling member printed	Rory Stewart
	uin	211968
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>The Defence Cultural Specialist Unit is not a training establishment and therefore does not offer any courses in the generally accepted use of the term. Its role is to prepare and provide Cultural Specialists and Human Terrain Analysts for units at readiness or deploying on operations. The Unit works with a variety of organisations, including the Defence Centre for Language and Culture at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, to ensure that its personnel are appropriately trained to meet the UK's commitments.</p><p>After the completion of appropriate language training, which also includes elements of cultural and historical learning, a Cultural Specialist will receive, on average, between 3-5 weeks of cultural and historical training specific to their future role.</p><p>Since the Defence Cultural Specialist Unit was formed in 2010, 59 personnel have spent more than six months undertaking related studies. These are provided at a range of locations, including the Defence Centre for Language and Culture at the Defence Academy. As at 30 October 2014 the Unit had seven personnel undertaking cultural and historical training.</p> answering member constituency Rayleigh and Wickford answering member printed Mr Mark Francois grouped question UIN 211975 question first answered 10/11/2014 17:29:48 answering member 1444 label Biography information for Mr Mark Francois previous answer version 25866 answering member constituency Sevenoaks answering member printed Michael Fallon answering member 88
	tabling member	4137 label Biography information for Rory Stewart

101540

	registered interest
	date	29/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Army: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will assess the merits of Army Technical Operations personnel in Northern Ireland being based closer to locations where the majority of explosive devices have been found in the last five years.
	tabling member constituency	East Londonderry
	tabling member printed	Mr Gregory Campbell
	uin	212401
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>I would like to pay tribute to the work of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams in Northern Ireland who respond with extreme professionalism to all requests for assistance, throughout Northern Ireland. I am confident that the support which the teams provide to the Police Service of Northern Ireland is delivered in the most operationally effective way possible commensurate with the specific environment, and that this view is shared by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.</p> answering member constituency Rayleigh and Wickford answering member printed Mr Mark Francois question first answered 10/11/2014 17:33:03 answering member 1444 label Biography information for Mr Mark Francois previous answer version 25869 answering member constituency Rayleigh and Wickford answering member printed Mr Mark Francois answering member 1444 label Biography information for Mr Mark Francois
	tabling member	1409 label Biography information for Mr Gregory Campbell

106240

	registered interest
	date	04/11/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	NATO
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has been made on the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force since the NATO summit in September 2014.
	tabling member constituency	Wrexham
	tabling member printed	Ian Lucas
	uin	213196
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>The Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) is one element of the wider NATO Readiness Action Plan that also includes NATO Assurance Measures; the UK continues to contribute to these measures. Allies are currently considering detailed VJTF design proposals from NATO, ahead of the Defence Ministerial in February 2015, where decisions on force design will be made.</p> answering member constituency Rayleigh and Wickford answering member printed Mr Mark Francois question first answered 10/11/2014 17:24:54 answering member 1444 label Biography information for Mr Mark Francois
	tabling member	1470 label Biography information for Ian C. Lucas

106248

	registered interest
	date	04/11/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Libya
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent reports he has received on the extent of the circulation of illegal weapons in Libya.
	tabling member constituency	Mid Dorset and North Poole
	tabling member printed	Annette Brooke
	uin	213296
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>We closely monitor the illegal arms trade with regards to Libya, and the risks of proliferation associated with uncontrolled stocks of weapons and ammunition.</p> answering member constituency Rayleigh and Wickford answering member printed Mr Mark Francois question first answered 10/11/2014 17:25:24 answering member 1444 label Biography information for Mr Mark Francois
	tabling member	1431 label Biography information for Annette Brooke

93150

	registered interest
	date	14/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	MOD Ashchurch
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will place in the Library a copy of the Conditioning report commissioned from Babcock International, dated 3 February 2011, on the approximate costs of repairing his Department's site at Ashchurch; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Bridgend
	tabling member printed	Mrs Madeleine Moon
	uin	210595
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>In January 2011, the Defence Support Group (DSG) commissioned a study on behalf of the Ministry of Defence through their existing facilities' management provider, Babcock, to assess the maintenance work required to enable the DSG to safely undertake vehicle and equipment operation from specified buildings on the site at Ashchurch until 2016. The study, submitted in February 2011, estimated that the cost 'to make safe' the site for the five year period would be £2.863 million excluding VAT. The study report was passed to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Defence Equipment and Support for the recommendations to be acted upon.</p><p>I am unable to place a copy of the document in the Library as it's disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.</p> answering member constituency Ludlow answering member printed Mr Philip Dunne grouped question UIN 210747 question first answered 10/11/2014 17:34:09 answering member 1542 label Biography information for Philip Dunne previous answer version 22730 answering member constituency Ludlow answering member printed Mr Philip Dunne answering member 1542 label Biography information for Philip Dunne
	tabling member	1490 label Biography information for Mrs Madeleine Moon

93516

	registered interest
	date	15/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	MOD Ashchurch
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what cost for repairing his Department's site at Ashchurch was estimated in the report commissioned by Babcock International dated 3 February 2011.
	tabling member constituency	Bridgend
	tabling member printed	Mrs Madeleine Moon
	uin	210747
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/11/2014 answer text <p>In January 2011, the Defence Support Group (DSG) commissioned a study on behalf of the Ministry of Defence through their existing facilities' management provider, Babcock, to assess the maintenance work required to enable the DSG to safely undertake vehicle and equipment operation from specified buildings on the site at Ashchurch until 2016. The study, submitted in February 2011, estimated that the cost 'to make safe' the site for the five year period would be £2.863 million excluding VAT. The study report was passed to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Defence Equipment and Support for the recommendations to be acted upon.</p><p>I am unable to place a copy of the document in the Library as it's disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.</p> answering member constituency Ludlow answering member printed Mr Philip Dunne grouped question UIN 210595 question first answered 10/11/2014 17:34:09 answering member 1542 label Biography information for Philip Dunne previous answer version 23151 answering member constituency Ludlow answering member printed Mr Philip Dunne answering member 1542 label Biography information for Philip Dunne
	tabling member	1490 label Biography information for Mrs Madeleine Moon