To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent by (a) his Department, (b) sponsoring organisations and (c) other contributors on promoting the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme in the last 25 years; and what assessment he has made of the value for money of the scheme.

The Ministry of Defence contributes to the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme through its programme of briefings and embedded visits for members. Detailed records of this contribution over 25 years are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost; however, it is the longstanding view of Ministers and Service Chiefs that the modest investment in personnel resources required is justified by the benefits of the scheme.

The provision of commercial sponsorship and other contributions is a matter for the Board of Trustees.