Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 8 December 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 December 2008. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Thursday, 11 December 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Rescue Services

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the defence budget was spent on responding to (a) natural disasters, (b) network failures or disruption and (c) criminal activity in each year since 1997.

Answer: The Defence budget does not include provision for responding to natural disasters, network failures or disruption, or criminal activity which are the lead responsibility of other Government Departments. Where the Ministry of Defence is called upon to assist, we would only do so free of charge where there were an imminent threat to human life, or seek repayment in the case of less severe threats. We do not keep a central record of all the costs reclaimed by Defence.

Secondary information