Written question asked by Keith Simpson (Conservative) on Monday, 1 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 March 1999. It was answered by Lord Robertson of Port Ellen (Labour) on Thursday, 4 March 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish the budget for defence diplomacy for 1999-2000. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the budget for defence diplomacy for 1999-2000. [74655] Mr. George Robertson: The budget for centrally funded Defence Diplomacy activities for 1999-2000 will be found from within the Defence Military Assistance Fund (DMAF). The planned DMAF budget for the next financial year will be around £16 million. This represents an increase of some £5 million over 1998-99. The enhancement is specifically intended to fund additional Defence Diplomacy initiatives. No decision has yet been taken on the final allocation of the DMAF for 1999-2000, but the majority will be utilised to fund Defence Diplomacy-related activities. The remainder will subsidise military assistance under the Support to Wider British Interests Mission. Top Level Budget Holders also fund activities undertaken as part of the Defence Diplomacy Mission. Figures for these activities are not identified separately.

Secondary information