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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Mr. Stunell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many blankets have been declared surplus to requirements by each of the armed forces in each of the last 10 years; [115805] (2) how many surplus blankets have been (a) sold, (b) destroyed and (c) donated to aid agencies and charitable organisations in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [115806] Dr. Moonie: Comprehensive records for the last 10 years on the gifting, destruction or sales of surplus blankets are not available. Information that is available shows that since 1995, surplus blankets have been collected from Service depots by a Disposal Sales Agency (DSA) appointed contractor for marketing and sale. The contractor estimates that some 160,000 blankets were declared to them during this period but is unable accurately to break this estimate down by year or by Service. Almost all the blankets collected by the DSA appointed contractor over the five years have been sold. Prior to 1995, surplus blankets were delivered to auction site by Service transport and then lotted by auctioneers prior to sale. Records for the number of blankets sold by public auction between 1990 and 1995 are no longer available.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

346 c694W;346 c692W; 115805;115806

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Armed forces Charitable donations Defence equipment Sales Surpluses

Contains statistics

Yes