HC Deb 02 December 1980 vol 995 c76W
19. Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the current arrangements for defence procurement.

Mr. Speed

I am satisfied that the fundamental principle of concentrating defence procurement activity in a single procurement executive, as recommended by Sir Derek Rayner in 1971, remains sound. However, in view of the need to manage defence procurement activity within reduced staff resources, a series of reviews is being conducted and discussions held with industry to establish both the optimum deployment of staff and the most efficient methods of working.