§ Mr. McCartneyasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any study has been made of private contract work being done in Government establishments; what was the cost of such work in 1975–76 and 1976–77; and what cost is forecast for 1977–78.
§ Dr. GilbertNo. Defence supply, repair, and R and D establishments undertake private contract work for commercial firms or other non-public bodies on a very limited scale when they have temporary spare capacity available or special faciilties to offer. Royal Ordnance Factories undertake some limited civil work for commercial reasons. Costs are recovered through the prices charged. Detailed figures are not available, but if my hon. Friend has any specific establishments in mind I will make further inquiries.