HC Deb 26 January 1983 vol 35 cc892-3
16. Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make available in the Library details of the arrangements between Mr. A. M. Alfred, chief executive of the Property Services Agency, and his Department.

Mr. King

Yes, Sir. I have today placed in the Library, and sent to the hon. Member, a note of the details of the arrangements that are particular to Mr. Alfred's limited period appointment.

Mr. Hoyle

I am grateful to the Secretary of State for his answer. Does he agree that it was wrong of Mr. Alfred not to reveal to the officials with whom he was negotiating the fact that the private company into which his salary was paid was set up only six days prior to his appointment? Does he not further agree that that brings into question the honesty and integrity of Mr. Alfred? Should he not be sacked forthwith?

Mr. King

I entirely reject the hon. Gentleman's latter point. It is unfortunate that the hon. Gentleman seeks to pursue it. The matter is not without precedent. A similar arrangement was made under the previous Administration. In this situation I do not presume to indulge with the hon. Gentleman, in a witch-hunt against someone taking on an extremely important post in the public sector.

Mr. Robert Atkins

Is my right hon. Friend taking any steps to look at the operation of the Property Services Agency, whether under the aegis of Mr. Alfred or anyone else, in its relationship with the Ministry of Defence, among other Departments, particularly because of the difficulty of controlling the operation of the PSA or the MOD in given stations, bases and ship bases?

Mr. King

I shall have talks shortly with Mr. Alfred on proposals for the future organisation of the PSA. My hon. Friend is aware that I have not been closely involved with that part of my Department. I shall take a close interest in it, because it is an extremely important area of my Department.