Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Monday, 31 October 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 November 2005. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 November 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Defence Transport and Movements Agency

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the Defence Transport and Movements Agency (DTMA) annual report and accounts 2004–05, if he will make a statement on the DTMA's (a) in-year management control, (b) financial data and (c) short-term planning.

Answer: The audit of the accounts by the National Audit Office has provided the assurance that the necessary controls are in place to ensure effective in-year management.The Defence Transport and Movements Agency, along with other parts of the Ministry of Defence, is due shortly to receive a new forecasting and budgeting computer software package which is expected to improve the flow of financial data.The short-term planning process challenges all areas of the MOD to produce robust and affordable forward expenditure plans. DTMA, like all parts of the Department has a continued responsibility to respond to requests for savings measures. A clearer picture is, however, now emerging on how the centrally imposed savings wedges referred to in the DTMA annual report and accounts might be absorbed within individual projects.

Secondary information