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Defence Accounts Agency annual report and accounts for 1995/96.

Type

House of Commons papers

Date

11 July 1996

Reference

HC 501 1995/96

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence;Army Base Repair Organisation;Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency;Defence Analytical Services Agency;Defence Animal Centre;Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency;Defence Evaluation and Research Agency;Defence Postal and Courier Services;Defence Transport and Movements Exec

How much was spent on official hospitality by his Department and all associated agencies in the financial year 1995-96. - Includes text of letters from various agencies.

Asked by

Lord Stratford (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

For answer on

9 May 1996

Answered on

9 May 1996

Mr. Tony Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent on official hospitality by his Department and all associated agencies in the financial year 1995-96. [28568] Mr. Soames: During financial year 1995-96 my Department spent £5.105 million on official hospitality. These figures include expenditure incurred by the Ministry of Defence itself, by formations and establishments of the armed forces at home and abroad, and by individual officers occupying command and international appointments for which entertainment allowances are payable. Where responsibility for such expenditure falls to the chief executives of my Department's agencies I have asked the chief executives to reply direct to the hon. Member. Letter from J. R. Drew to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about how much was spent on official hospitality in his Department and associated agencies in 1995/96 as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO). During the financial year 1995/96 ABRO spent £5,886 on official hospitality. letter from K. J. W. Goad to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence regarding official hospitality by his Department and all associated agencies in the financial year 1995-96. As Chief Executive of the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency (ABSDA), I reply with the Agency's details. The total spend on official hospitality for my Agency as a whole (i.e. across all 10 main Depot locations and 24 smaller locations in Great Britain and Germany) in the financial year 1995/96 was £16,389.77. Thank you very much for your enquiry. I hope this is sufficient detail to meet your requirements. Should you require any further information please contact me. Letter from Paul Altobell to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about official hospitality as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency (DASA). DASA spent £769.24 on official hospitality in financial year 1995/96. Letter from A. H. Roache to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: As Chief Executive of the Defence Animal Centre (DAC) I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence regarding how much was spent on official hospitality by his Department and all associated agencies in the financial year 1995/96. The DAC did not expend Agency funds on official hospitality in the period indicated. Letter from Michael Roycroft to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about expenditure on official entertainment, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Clothing & Textile Agency. Expenditure on official entertainment for the financial year 1995/96 was £2943. I hope this information answers your question, if I can be of further assistance to you please do not hesitate to contact me. Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: The Secretary of State for Defence has asked me to reply on behalf of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) to your question about expenditure on official hospitality in 1995/96. In the financial year 1995/96 DERA spent a total of £47787 on official hospitality. I hope this information is helpful. Letter from T. McG Browne to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 8 May 1996: I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Michael Portillo MP, regarding the cost of official hospitality within the MoD and all associated agencies during financial year 1995/96. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Postal & Courier Services Agency. The official hospitality expenditure by my agency during 1995/96 was £2,100. This figure is provisional and, subject to audit, will be included in my Agency's Annual Report which will be laid before Parliament later this summer. I hope this information is helpful. Letter from M. G. R. Hodson to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence, about official hospitality, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Transport and Movements Executive Agency. In the last financial year, the cost of hospitality, which is included in the running cost budget for my agency, was £2,120. This was somewhat higher than usual because I was honoured to host both the Chief Executives' and Agency Administrators' Conferences during 1995. Letter from Keith Ellender to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about how much was spent on official hospitality in the financial year 1995-96, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Disposal Sales Agency. The amount spent by my Agency on official hospitality in the financial year 1995-96 was £5,502 Letter from W. E. Spreadbury to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: In the absence on duty of the Chief Executive, I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence concerning expenditure on official hospitality. This Agency spent £3207 on official hospitality in the financial year 1995-96. Letter from M. R. Pack to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: 1. You recently asked the Secretary of State for Defence a Parliamentary Question relating to the costs incurred by the Department and associated agencies in providing official hospitality during the financial year 1995-96. As your question relates, in part, to the Hydrographic Office it has been referred to us for a reply. 2. In the normal course of events my Chief Executive, Rear Admiral Clarke would have replied to you personally but I am afraid he is presently absent from the Office on official duty so I have been asked to reply to you on his behalf. 3. During the financial year 1995-96 a total of £22,387 was expended by the Hydrographic Office on official entertainment. 4. I hope this information has been helpful. Letter from A. W. Pollard to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the expenditure on official hospitality by executive agencies. As Chief Executive, this falls within my area of responsibility for the Logistic Information Systems Agency (LISA). This agency has incurred no expenses in regard to hospitality. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Letter from J. C. R. Hunt to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: As Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office I am replying to your recent question which asked how much was spent on official hospitality in the financial year 1995-96. The hospitality expenditure in 1995-96 was £24,524. It was spent in the course of winning some £20M worth of commercial business and maintaining in international fora the standing of the Office as a world class science-based organisation. Letter from M. J. Sands to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about expenditure on official hospitality as this matter falls within the area of responsibility of the Chief Executive as far as the Military Survey Defence Agency is concerned. I regret that the Chief Executive is not available to reply personally due to absence on duty. The sum spent on official hospitality in this Agency in Financial Year 1995-96 was £6,354. This expenditure was primarily in support of the maintenance and extension of highly cost-effective arrangements for the international exchange of geographic material. Letter form W. S. Graham to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: 1. I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence, that asked how much was spent on official hospitality by the `Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation (NARO)' in the financial year 1995-96 as the matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the NARO. 2. The sum of £1,299 (One Thousand Two Hundred and Ninety Nine Pounds) was spent on official hospitality in financial year 1995-96. Letter from I. P. Somervaille to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: The Secretary of State for Defence has asked the Chief Executive of the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency (NRTA) to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the expenditure on official hospitality in the NRTA in the financial year 1995-96. I am replying on behalf of the Chief Executive. The total expenditure on official hospitality in the NRTA in the financial year 1995-96 is £67,731.45. Letter from Brian Raine to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 8 May 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence on how much was spent on official hospitality by his Department and all associated agencies in the financial year 1995- 96. Queen Victoria School total for 1995-96 was £4,766.82. If you have any further questions about this please do not hesitate to contact me. Letter from P. C. Ayee to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about how much was spent on official hospitality by his department and all associated agencies in the financial year 1995-96, as this matter falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of the Royal Air Force Signals Engineering Establishment. In 1995-96 the cost of hospitality, which is included in the running cost budget for my agency, was £975. Letter from A. A. Nicholson to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about expenditure on official hospitality insofar as this bears on my responsibilities for the Royal Air Force Training Group Defence Agency. In the financial year 1995/96, the Training Group Defence Agency spent £1964 from its budget on official hospitality. Details of Hospitality Grants made from central funds direct in individual units are not included, but will be incorporated in the figures to be provided for the Department. I am sending a copy of this letter to the Agency's owner, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Personnel and Training Command. Letter from T. S. Mitchelson to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: 1. I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of Defence about official hospitality as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as the Chief Executive of the Service Children's Education Agency. The information that I supply below for Financial Year 1995/96 relates to the Service Children's Schools (North West Europe) Agency which was subsumed by SCE on 1 April 1996. 2. During 1995/96 £296.58 was spent on official hospitality. Letter from S. B. J. Wilks to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the provision of hospitality in the financial year 1995/96, in the absence of the Chief Executive Army Technical Support Agency (ATSA), as this matter falls within his area of responsibility. ATSA launched in October 1995 but formed as a Directorate on 1 April 1995. During 1995/96 £11,300 was spent on official hospitality. Letter from M. A. Rowe to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about spending on official hospitality where it relates to my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Pay Personnel Agency. I am also replying on behalf of the Defence Accounts Agency which ceased to exist on 1 February 1996, following the creation of the Defence Bills Agency on 1 January 1996 and the return of the Directorate of Financial Management Accounting Services to MOD HQ on 1 December 1995. The figures you sought, for the two Agencies, are as follows: Defence Accounts Agency: £608 Pay and Personnel Agency: £137 Letter from T. R. Thurgate to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 9 May 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about expenditure on official hospitality during the financial year 1995-96 as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of Defence Bills Agency. I can confirm that for the three months from the launch of the Defence Bills Agency on 1 January 1996 until the end of the financial year the total expenditure on hospitality was £46.00. I trust that this reply meets your requirements.

Date

9 May 1996

Reference

28568; 277 c227-31W

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence;Army Base Repair Organisation;Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency;Defence Accounts Agency;Defence Analytical Services Agency;Defence Animal Centre;Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency;Defence Evaluation and Research Agency;Defence Postal and Courier Services;Defence Tran

What agreements his Department and its executive agencies have with companies for the provision of mobile and car phones; and if he will list the companies having these contracts, the duration of the contracts, the number of phones covered by each agreement and the cost to public funds of each...

Asked by

Brian H Donohoe (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

19 January 1996

Reference

269 c848-60W;269 c846-58W; 9734;9736;9735

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence;Duke of Yorks Royal Military School;Service Childrens Schools (North West Europe);Defence Animal Centre;Defence Animal Centre;Defence Analytical Services Agency;Logistic Information Systems Agency;Army Technical Support Agency;Defence Postal and Courier Services;Naval Recruiti

What action heads of his Department's executive agencies are taking to safeguard the provision of pre-retirement courses in the event of such agencies seeking to make economies. - Text of letters from G H Wilson of the Duke of Yorks Royal Military School, P Niedzwiedzki of Service Childrens Schools, Colonel...

Asked by

Martin Redmond (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

For answer on

15 January 1996

Answered on

15 January 1996

Mr. Redmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action heads of his Department's executive agencies are taking to safeguard the provision of pre-retirement courses in the event of such agencies seeking to make economies; and if he will make a statement. [9146] Mr. Arbuthnot: These matters are the responsibility of the chief executives of the Defence Agencies. I have asked the chief executives of the agencies to write to the hon. Member. Letter from G. H. Wilson to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the safeguarding of the provision of pre-retirement courses as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of this Agency. We are not seeking to make economies in this area and I am taking positive action to safeguard any entitlement to pre-retirement courses which Service personnel of this Agency have. Letter from P. Niedzwiedzki to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: Reference: A. PQ Reference: 9883G I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the provision of pre-retirement courses as this area falls within the area of responsibility of the Chief Executive of Service Children's Schools (North West Europe) Agency. SCS(NWE) staff are eligible to apply for places on MOD pre-retirement courses. Course places are arranged and approved by CM(Welfare) and the courses themselves are usually held in the UK. Participant's travel and subsistence expenses are met by the Agency. There is a regular uptake of such courses by SCS(NWE) staff. The Agency's Framework Document confirms that welfare services are one of a range of central services provided by the MOD to the Agency. SCS(NWE) expects the current level of welfare support, including pre-retirement sources, to be continued without diminution. Letter from Colonel A. H. Roach to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about what action heads of his Department's executive agencies are taking to safeguard the provision of pre-retirement courses in the event of such agencies seeking to make economies as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Animal Centre (DAC). The DAC has no intention, either now or in the future, of seeking to economise on the provision of pre-retirement courses to eligible military or civilian personnel. Letter from Paul Altobell to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: Parliamentary enquiry number 9883g I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about pre-retirement courses as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency (DASA). DASA has no plans to take special action in respect of pre-retirement courses. It is our custom to follow the lead of our parent department, the Ministry of Defence, in these matters. Letter from Brigadier A. W. Pollard to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: Parliamentary Question (PQ9883G--The Provision of Pre-retirement Courses to Agency Personnel I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about what action I am taking to safeguard the provision of pre-retirement courses, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Logistic Information Systems Agency (LISA). All of my military staff who reach the end of their careers while serving at LISA are entitled to the normal resettlement facilities offered by the Services. My civilian staff have the same access as that enjoyed by other Civil Servants to a comprehensive programme of pre-retirement courses. I am keen to preserve the entitlement in both cases and, in my Agency, they would be unlikely targets for saving measures. Letter from J. R. Prince to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: Parliamentary Question--Army Technical Support Agency I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about safeguarding the provision of pre-retirement courses in the event of Agencies seeking to make economies as this matter falls in my area of responsibility. The number of staff reaching retirement age in the Army Technical Support Agency in any one year is small, as are the costs associated with pre-retirement training courses. I regard pre-retirement training as an important part of preparing loyal Agency staff for retirement and, as such, would not expect to include such training in any economy exercise. Letter from R. H. Embleton to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: In the absence on duty of the Chief Executive, I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about safeguarding the provision of pre-retirement courses. I regard the provision of pre-retirement courses as important. All military and civilian staff of the Defence Postal and Courier Services Agency are encouraged to attend such courses as they may be eligible, and entitled to under MOD regulations. I have no plans to change this situation. Letter from Rear Admiral J. H. S. McAnally to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: The Secretary of State for Defence has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question, about safeguarding the provision of pre-retirement courses in the event of agency economies, in my capacity as Chief Executive of the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency (NRTA). All but the most senior (CDS) Naval personnel leave the Royal Navy before the national retirement age. In order to assist them in preparing for, and identifying a suitable second career in civilian life, they are eligible to undertake a variety of pre-release resettlement (pre-retirement) training. The provision of resettlement training is the responsibility of the tri-Service Resettlement Organisation (TSRO) which does not form part of the NRTA. However, as Chief Executive of the NRTA, I am publicly committed in the Agency Corporate Plan "to meet the Personnel Functional Standards in respect of Service Personnel and, where appropriate, adopt similar principles for civilian employees." Personnel Functional Standards are a set of mandatory and common standards that are applied to all RN personnel wherever they are serving. The Standards may not be amended without the approval of the Navy Board. An appropriate Personnel Functional standard exists for the provision of resettlement training. In view of the foregoing, if it should be necessary to seek economies from within the agency, the provision of resettlement courses should not be affected. Letter from Air Vice-Marshal R. H. Kyle to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about safeguarding the provision of pre-retirement courses in the event of Defence Agencies seeking to make economies because this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Royal Air Force Maintenance Group Defence Agency (RAF MGDA). All retiring MOD Civil Servants employed within the RAF MGDA have the opportunity to attend a pre-retirement course; this would normally take place within their last 12 months of service. I recognise this as a most valuable contribution to preparing staff for retirement and it is not a provision which would suffer as a result of any economy measure within the RAF MGDA. To reinforce this I shall be including an appropriate commitment in the RAF MGDA Civilian Training Plan. Letter from Keith Ellender to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the provision of pre-retirement courses as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Disposal Sales Agency. The provision of pre-retirement courses for staff in my Agency comes from central Ministry of Defence funds, in the same way that it used to before agency status was achieved. Letter from Brian Raine to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about safeguarding the provision of pre-retirement courses as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of Queen Victoria School. I attach considerable importance to pre-retirement courses and staff are invited to apply for such courses conducted by either the Civil Service Council for Further Education or Local Education Authorities. This Agency has not sought, and currently has no plans to seek, economies in this area. If you have any further questions about this do not hesitate to contact me. Letter from D. A. Thomas to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about pre-retirement courses on behalf of the Chief Executive of the Defence Accounts Agency as this matters falls within his area of responsibility. The Defence Accounts Agency will continue to ensure that all eligible staff have the opportunity to attend pre-retirement courses. Currently, provision within the Agency is normally by the MOD Welfare Service, but, if necessary, courses are also arranged locally on site or externally. Irrespective of any future proposed economy measures, it is not intended that these arrangements should be altered. Letter from Captain W. S. Graham to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: 1. I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence on what action is taken within the `Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation (NARO)' to safeguard the provision of pre-retirement courses as the matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the NARO. 2. Personnel have the opportunity to attend pre-retirement courses in Portsmouth Naval Base. There are 4 per year. 3. In the event that they were stopped, we would organise our own, either by using in-house training facilities or contractors. Letter from P. A. James to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: I am replying, on behalf of the Chief Executive of Military Survey Defence Agency (who is on duty in Germany) to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the provision of pre-retirement courses in Executive Agencies, as this matter falls within the Chief Executive's area of responsibility and I am his deputy. Military Survey supports the continued use of pre-retirement courses run by the Ministry of Defence. Military Survey has always encouraged personnel to attend pre-retirement courses. We have no plans to change this policy. Letter from Brigadier M. G. R. Hodson to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: I am replying to your Question (PQ9883G) to the Secretary of State for Defence, about safeguarding the provision of pre-retirement courses, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Transport and Movements Executive Agency (DTMX). For civil servants, pre-retirement courses are carried out centrally and continue to be available to Agency staff. Courses are normally offered 6 months before retirement and there are no plans to restrict their availability. For Service personnel, resettlement courses, which are comprehensive and available to all military in their last two years of service, and are designed to provide training for a second career, continue to be provided. There are no plans to limit eligibility. I trust that this answers your concerns. Please be assured that I will always act in the best interests of my staff, both civilian and military. Letter from Brigadier M. J. Roycroft to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the provision of pre-retirement courses. As the Chief Executive of the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency (DCTA), I can confirm that my Agency will continue to offer all eligible staff the opportunity of attending pre-retirement courses. I do not foresee a situation arising which would cause me to change this policy. If I can be of further help to you, please let me know. Letter from J. C. R. Hunt to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about pre-retirement courses as, for the staff of the Meterological Office, this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive. The Meterological Office offers a pre-retirement course to all staff. I have no intention of changing this practice. Letter from Air Commodore P. C. Ayee to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about what actions heads of executive agencies were taking to safeguard pre-retirement courses, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Royal Air Force Signals Engineering Establishment Defence Agency. The cost of pre-retirement courses do not fall to the Agency. Pre-retirement courses for civil servants are funded directly from MOD central funds, and resettlement courses for service personnel are funded by the RAF Personnel and Training Command. Thus, any Agency economies would not affect the provision of such courses. Letter from M. R. Pack to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: Your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about pre-retirement courses for staff in his agencies has been referred to the Chief Executive of the Hydrographic Office. Unfortunately Admiral Essenhigh is at present absent from the Office on official duty so I am replying to you on his behalf. It is the policy of the Hydrographic Office Defence Agency to offer pre-retirement courses to all employees who are approaching retirement. These pre-retirement courses are conducted by the Somerset College of Arts and Technology which is based in Taunton. There is no intention that this policy should be changed in any way. It is recognised by the senior management of the Hydrographic Office that these courses provide a very valuable service in assisting staff to cope better with the transition to the different lifestyle which retirement brings. I hope this information has been of assistance. Letter from Air Commodore A. A. Nicholson to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about safeguarding the provision of pre-retirement courses in executive agencies, insofar as this bears on my own responsibilities for the Training Group Defence Agency. I can confirm that this Agency is not seeking to make economies by reducing the provision of pre-retirement courses; and that I maintain a close interest in any proposed changes beyond the Agency's boundaries, which might affect my personnel in this respect. I am sending a copy of this letter to the Agency's owner, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Personnel & Training Command. Letter from Brigadier K. J. W. Goad to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: As Chief Executive of the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency (ABSDA), I reply to your question, to the Secretary of State for Defence, about pre-retirement courses within Defence Agencies. Pre-retirement courses for both military and civilian ABSDA staff are funded centrally by the MoD. Within the Agency, staff are actively encouraged to make full use of redundancy counselling, outplacement services and pre-retirement courses. I can state, categorically, that ABSDA is not seeking to make economies in this area. I trust that I have fully answered your enquiry; if not, please come back to me. Letter from Brigadier J. R. Drew to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 15 January 1996: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about pre-retirement courses, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO). There have been no changes in the policy on pre-retirement courses since ABRO was established as a Defence Agency in April 1993. In accordance with central Ministry of Defence (MOD) policy, all staff have the opportunity to attend one pre-retirement course, which should take place during the last 12 months of service, to ensure that the information given, particularly on pensions and financial matters, is current. Where possible the arrangements are tailored to suit the individual. MOD pre-retirement courses are available either locally or in London, but in some cases individuals opt for courses at nearby colleges. Staff leaving ABRO on early retirement or redundancy may take advantage of the MOD Outplacement Scheme (MODOPS), which provides a more extensive range of training and guidance than the standard pre-retirement courses. In the last 6 months some 53 ABRO employees have retired or been made redundant. Not all choose to attend a pre-retirement course, and in cases of medical retirement this often proves impractical. During that 6-month period, however, 21 have attended courses at their local college, 6 have attended local MOD pre-retirement courses and 7 have benefitted from the MOD Outplacement arrangements. There are no plans to change existing arrangements. Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 16 January 1996: Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking what action heads of his Department's executive agencies are taking to safeguard the provision of pre-retirement courses; and if he will make a statement has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). In DERA, despite a significant cost reduction programme, our policy on retirement is unchanged and pre-retirement courses continue to be provided for employees. The provision of such courses has been delegated to business sectors, but if the numbers of retirees does not merit a sector specific event, then individuals may be nominated to a central scheme. Clearly DERA is always striving to improve it's efficiency and the cost effectiveness of all services, including the provision of pre-retirement courses is subject to regular review. However, it is our intention to continue to provide these courses since they are undoubtedly helpful to individuals approaching retirement since they provide guidance and help in making the transition. I hope this information is helpful.

Date

15 January 1996

Reference

269 c431-6W;269 c430-5W; 9146

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence

Statement about Defence Agency status for the Directorate of Accounts (Bills).

Asked by

Terry Dicks (Conservative)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

For answer on

10 January 1996

Answered on

10 January 1996

Mr. Dicks: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about defence agency status for the Directorate of Accounts (Bills). [8535] Mr. Arbuthnot: The Directorate of Accounts (Bills) became a defence agency of the Ministry of Defence on 1 January 1996 following the restructuring of the Defence Accounts Agency. The agency, to be known as the Defence Bills Agency, is located in Liverpool and has a staff of 652 MoD civil servants. The agency is responsible for the authorisation and payment of bills from MoD's suppliers and contractors and the invoicing and collection of MoD receipts. In addition, the agency will maintain accounting records for the MoD central ledger and provide financial management information to budget holders and other MoD customers including other defence agencies. As part of the Government's "Competing for Quality" initiative, the Directorate of Accounts (Bills) underwent a market testing feasibility study. As a result of this it was decided to keep the work of the directorate in house and to set challenging efficiency targets. These have been met and the in-house team and has been awarded a three-year fixed-price service level agreement effective from 1 April 1996. Embodied within the SLA are efficiency savings of over 27 per cent. measured against a baseline of the agency's 1993-94 outturn and these will be achieved by 31 March 1996. The former Director of Accounts (Bills), Mr. M. A. Rowe, is the acting chief executive, pending the results of an open competition to appoint a successor. The chief executive will be seeking to develop the current organisation's professional expertise and improve the high performance standards to fulfil the agency's aim of providing its customers with an efficient service which offers the best value for money. The chief executive has been set the following key targets: 1. To pay 97 per cent. of correctly presented bills within 11 working days of receipt and 100 per cent. within 30 days of receipt. 2. To raise 100 per cent. of invoices within 5 working days of instruction. 3. To obtain ISO 9002 accreditation. 4. To review the DBA internal management information/costing system. 5. To develop an accruals accounting system. 6. To make financial management information available on diskette each week to all MoD customers. 7. To meet 100 per cent. of the performance criteria laid down in the SLA. 8. To deliver the service contracted for in the SLA at the agreed price. Copies of the agency's framework document are being placed in Library of the House.

Date

10 January 1996

Reference

8535; 269 c228-9W

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence;Defence Accounts Agency

How many (a) orders and (b) firms are represented by the percentage of invoices not paid by his Department within 30 days in 1994-95. - Text of letter from J Chisholm of Defence Accounts Agency.

Asked by

Barbara Roche (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

19 December 1995

Reference

6489; 268 c1115-6W;268 c1113-4W

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence;Defence Accounts Agency;Defence Evaluation and Research Agency

What is the amount owed to those businesses whose invoices were not paid within 30 days or within agreed contractual arrangements for 1994-95. - Text of letters from J Chisholm of DERA and PJ Trevelyan of Defence Accounts Agency; inc fig.

Asked by

Barbara Roche (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

19 December 1995

Reference

6513; 268 c1116W;268 c1114W

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence;Defence Evaluation and Research Agency;Defence Accounts Agency

What percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. - Text of letter...

Asked by

Clive Betts (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

14 December 1995

Reference

5708; 268 c766-7W;268 c764-5W

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence;Army Base Repair Organisation;Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency;Defence Accounts Agency;Defence Animal Centre;Defence Evaluation and Research Agency;Defence Postal and Courier Services;Defence Transport and Movements Executive;Disposal Sales Agency;Duke of Yorks Royal

What was the number of civilian staff in his Department in the year before the establishment of the first executive agency and for each year since the number (a) in his Department and (b) in each agency, together with the staff costs in each case. - Includes text of letters...

Asked by

Martin Redmond (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

13 December 1995

Reference

5522; 268 c709-16W;268 c707-14W

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence;Hydrographic Office;RAF Maintenance Group;RAF Training Group;Defence Evaluation and Research Agency;Disposal Sales Agency;Army Base Repair Organisation;Army Technical Support Agency;Defence Transport and Movements Executive;Naval Recruiting and Training Agency;Defence Postal a

How many (a) serving officers and (b) retired officers are employed in each of his Department's executive agencies. - Includes texts of letters from all respective agencies and figures and table.

Asked by

Martin Redmond (Labour)

Answering body

DEFENCE POSTAL AND COURIER SERVICES

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

13 December 1995

Reference

268 c705-9W;268 c703-7W; 5518

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence;Hydrographic Office;Logistic Information Systems Agency;Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation;Military Survey;Army Base Repair Organisation;Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency;Defence Accounts Agency;RAF Maintenance Group;RAF Signals Engineering Establishment;Naval Recruiting an

If he will list for each of his executive agencies for the last financial year in respect of overseas travel by agency staff (a) the costs of the travel, (b) the countries visited and (c) the posts held by the staff concerned. - Includes texts from letters from various agencies.

Asked by

Martin Redmond (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

29 November 1995

Reference

2288; 267 c758-67W;267 c755-65W

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence;Defence Accounts Agency;Defence Evaluation and Research Agency

What is the average length of time it takes for his Department to pay invoices. - Text of letters from PJ Trevelyan of Defence Accounts Agency and J Chisholm of Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.

Asked by

Barbara Roche (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

22 November 1995

Reference

935; 267 c173W;267 c172W

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence;Defence Accounts Agency;Defence Evaluation and Research Agency

How his Department publicises payment practices other than as percentages of invoices paid late. - Text of letters from PJ Trevelyan of Defence Accounts Agency and J Chisholm of Defence Evaluation Research Agency.

Asked by

Barbara Roche (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

22 November 1995

Reference

950; 267 c172W;267 c171W

House

House of Commons

Defence Accounts Agency annual report and accounts 1994/95.

Type

House of Commons papers

Notes

Received 11.07.95

Date

11 July 1995

Reference

HC 542 1994/95

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence;Defence Accounts Agency

Pursuant to his Answer of 20th December, Official Report, 251 c1167W, if he will update the number of collection visits; what was the value of the items; what was the nature of the items which were the cause of the debt collection visits; and whether that expenditure was incurred in...

Asked by

Jim Cousins (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

26 June 1995

Reference

262 c500W

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence

What performance targets have been set for the Defence Accounts Agency for 1995-96. - List given.

Asked by

Tim Devlin (Conservative)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

18 May 1995

Reference

260 c305W

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence;Defence Evaluation and Research Agency;Army Base Repair Organisation;Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment;Defence Accounts Agency;Defence Analytical Services Agency;Defence Animal Centre;Defence Operational Analysis Centre;Defence Postal and Courier Services;Defence R

If he will give the number and location of Army Base Repair Organization, Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Defence Accounts Agency, Defence Analytical Services Agency, Defence Animal Centre, Defence Operational Analysis Centre, Defence Postal and Courier Services, Defence Research Agency, Duke of York's Royal Military School, Hydrographic, Meteorological Military Survey,...

Asked by

Calum Macdonald (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

28 April 1995

Reference

258 c775-8W

House

House of Commons

Deposited Paper DEP/3 1466

Deposited by

Ministry of Defence

Type

Consultation papers; Deposited papers

Date

26 April 1995

Reference

DEP/3 1466

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence

Statement on first three year review of the Defence Accounts Agency has now been completed. - Includes ref to consultation document (in Library as DEP/3 1466).

Asked by

John Sykes (Conservative)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

5 April 1995

Reference

257 c1142-3W;257 c1140W

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence

What market testing criteria are applicable to the in-house bid by Defence Accounts Agency Department of Accounts (Bills) for the retention of their service.

Asked by

Jane Kennedy (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

28 March 1995

Reference

257 c631W;257 c629W

House

House of Commons

Librarians' tools

Type

House

Session

Year

Department

Member

Primary member

Answering member

Legislative stage

Legislation

Subject

Publisher