12 DEC 1975
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X 119
Written Answers
9 DECEMBER 1975
Written Answers
120
Mr. D. E. Thomas asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans, if any, have been made to relay an English language television service to Her Majesty's Forces overseas; and what is the estimated cost of any such plans.
Mr. Robert C. Brown: A television service for British forces in Germany, comprising a mix of British television programmes, began transmission on 18th September. This service will become
available to most Service men in West Germany as installations are completed. Capital and running costs are estimated at £8 million and £1 million respectively.
Government Industrial Establishments
Mr. Onslow asked the Secretary of State for Defence how far the recom- mendations of the Malabar Committee on Government industrial establishments have now been implemented.
Mr. Judd: The present Government have taken the Mallabar recommenda- tions fully into account in their policy for the management of the Royal Dock- yards and the Royal Ordnance Factories.
Most of the proposals have now been implemented; some are in the process of implementation. On the important issue of the introduction of a trading fund into the dockyards, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to his hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead (Mr. Finsberg) by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State on 12th November.- [Vol. 899, c. 721-2.]
Hong Kong
Mr. Michael McGuire asked the Secre- tary of State for Defence if an agreement has been reached with the Hong Kong Government for a shared defence arrangement; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. William Rodgers: As I informed the House on 6th November, agreement has already been reached with the Hong Kong Government on the future level of the garrison. Since then negotiations have continued on a new defence costs agreement and I have had further meet- ings with the Governor of Hong Kong. A number of detailed points remain to be settled, but I hope to make an announcement before the end of the year. [Vol. 899, c. 270-1.]
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Departmental Mail
Mr. Pardoe asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many letters, sent by first class post, his Department received within the last three months; and how many of these arrived within one day, two days and more than two days, respectively, of the date on the postmark.
Mr. William Rodgers: This informa- tion is not held and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.
Mr. Pardoe asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will conduct a survey to inform himself of the propor- tion of letters sent by his Department by first class post which arrive within one day of posting.
Mr. William Rodgers: No. The effort and cost involved would be dispropor- tionate.
Ulster Defence Regiment
Rev. Ian Paisley asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will recruit a full-time operational element in the Ulster Defence Regiment in the ratio of one company per battalion.
Mr. Robert C. Brown : I have no plans at present to do so.
Rev. Ian Paisley asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will equip and train the Ulster Defence Regiment for riot control duties.
Mr. Robert C. Brown: No.
HMS “Bulwark ”
Mr. Wellbeloved asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future of HMS
Bulwark ".
Mr. Judd: As has already been an- nounced, HMS “Bulwark " will be paid off as a commando ship next Spring. This will bring to an end her rôle as an amphibious vessel.
Her material condition is being main- tained until decisions can be taken about the Royal Navy's ASW capability before HMS "Invincible" is introduced into service.
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