Written question asked by Clare Short (Independent Labour) on Friday, 9 October 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 October 2009. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Monday, 12 October 2009 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Nepal: Helicopters

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 9 September 2009, Official Report, column 2000W, on helicopters: Nepal, (1) what the terms of reference were of the investigation; and what the length and cost was of that investigation;

Answer: Detectives from the Ministry of Defence Police Fraud Squad (MDPFS) Anti Corruption Unit began a criminal investigation in June 2007 and delivered their findings in April 2008.The MDPFS were tasked to investigate the following:"Was there any criminality evident in the procurement and gifting of the helicopters, by any UK MOD, overseas personnel, or contractors involved in the procurement process?""Was there any misappropriation of Government funds?""Were the procured helicopters value for money in respect of Government Funds being used for purchase?"The cost of this investigation, which ensued as a result of an inquiry made by the Defence Fraud Analysis Unit in August 2007, was £500, covering travel and expenses incurred, but not salary costs. The costs of salary relating to this investigation are not held centrally and cannot be provided.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 497 c433W; 292129
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Helicopters: Nepal
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Helicopters Nepal
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk